Systems and Methods for Treating Blood

ABSTRACT

According to some embodiments, a system may treat blood outside the body of a patient. The system may include at least one toxin removal system configured to process blood from at least two places on the patient&#39;s body at a rate, for example, of at least 0.5 liters per minute. The system may be configured to raise the pH level of the patient&#39;s blood by introducing a fluid at rate of at least 9 liters per hour.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/623,447, entitled “Systems and Methodsfor Treating Blood,” Attorney's Docket No. 082983.0104, filed Feb. 16,2015. The present application is also a continuation-in-part applicationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/623,455, entitled “Systems andMethods for Treating Blood,” Attorney's Docket No. 082983.0105, filedFeb. 16, 2015. The present application also claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/940,628, entitled “A System ForInduced Hyperthermia,” Attorney's Docket No. 082983.0101, filed Feb. 17,2014; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/983,752 entitled “ASystem For Induced Hyperthermia,” Attorney's Docket No. 082983.0102,filed Apr. 24, 2014; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.62/011,451, entitled “A System For Induced Hyperthermia,” Attorney'sDocket No. 082983.0103, filed Jun. 12, 2014.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for treating blood.

BACKGROUND

Hyperthermia has been used to treat certain maladies, including killingcancer cells. Certain methods and procedures have had limited and poorresults in extending patient life and/or their quality of living. Forexample, certain therapies only target a certain area of the body. Asanother example, blood removed from the body is heated to higher than adesired temperature and then returned back to the body (in some casescooled to a lower temperature than desired).

Suggested forms of induced hyperthermia suffer from the need of majoradvancements and significant changes in order to have meaningful resultsand thus cannot be used as a standard of care for treating cancers byvarious medical and scientific communities.

SUMMARY

According to some embodiments, a patient's blood can be treated outsideof the body to remove contaminants and introduce substances that canpromote the health of the blood. The patient's blood may suffer from thepresence of inflammatory mediators and toxins produced by, as examples,dead cancer tissue, pancreatitis, stroke, heart attack or other heartdamage, cirrhosis, or other organ damage or failure. The treatment caninclude treating blood temperature, pH level, removing toxins, andremoving inflammatory mediators as examples. Multiple ports on thepatient may be connected to toxin removal systems and/or reintroductionsystems. Contaminants can be removed and nutrients or other helpfulchemicals can be added to the patient's blood at desired flow rates.This can reduce or eliminate some, most, or even all of the side effectscaused by therapies that cause rapid cancer death (e.g., chemotherapy,radiation, induced hyperthermia, virus therapy, and/or stem celltherapy) as well as address other maladies such as pancreatitis, stroke,heart attack or other heart damage, cirrhosis, or other organ damage orfailure. If the toxins and inflammatory mediators are not removed withinthe proper period of time (e.g., during the procedure or anywhere within15 minutes to 48 hours after the procedure), the toxins and inflammatorymediators can cause the pH level to drop and the patient can die orsuffer injury. As examples, the kidneys may shut down, the liver mayshut down, and blood platelets may stop being produced by the body.

According to some embodiments, a system may be used to inducehyperthermia in a patient. The system may include one or more pumpsconfigured to draw blood, for example from a patient, into a path at arate, for example, above 4 liters per minute. The system may include oneor more heat exchangers coupled to the path and configured to heat theblood to a temperature, for example, above 42 degrees Celsius and below43.2 degrees Celsius. Or, in other embodiments the temperature may beabove 42 degrees and below 43.8 degrees or below, for example, 43.5degrees Celsius.

According to some embodiments, a system may be used to treat bloodoutside of a body of a patient. The system may include a path locatedoutside of a body of a patient. The system may further include one ormore pumps configured to circulate the blood in the path at a rate, forexample, above 4 liters per minute. The system may further include oneor more heat exchangers coupled to the path and configured to heat theblood to a temperature, for example, above 42 degrees Celsius and below43.2 degrees Celsius. Or, in other embodiments the temperature may beabove 42 degrees Celsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius or below, forexample, 43.5 degrees Celsius. The system may further include one ormore modules configured to administer a substance (e.g., ozone or Freon)to the blood that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood. The substance may include any element or compositionof matter that constitutes a free radical or that is an unstablesubstance (e.g. ozone) that reacts with some substance in the body (e.g.oxygen) to form a free radical. The system may further include one ormore dialysis modules configured to perform dialysis (e.g., convectiondialysis or diffusion dialysis) on the blood. The system may furtherinclude a venting system to remove carbon dioxide from the blood. Theventing system can add oxygen to the blood, in some embodiments. Thesystem may also include an oxygenator to add oxygen to the blood.

According to some embodiments, a method may induce hyperthermia in apatient. The method may include drawing blood from a patient into a pathat a rate, for example, above 4 liters per minute. The method mayfurther include heating the blood to a temperature, for example, above42 degrees Celsius and below 43.2 degrees Celsius. Or, in otherembodiments the temperature may be above 42 degrees Celsius and below43.8 degrees Celsius or below, for example, 43.5 degrees Celsius. Themethod may further include adding the heated blood back into thepatient.

According to some embodiments, a method may treat blood outside of abody of a patient. The method may include circulating blood through apath at a rate, for example above 4 liters per minute. The method mayfurther include heating the blood to a temperature above 42 degreesCelsius and below 42.9 degrees Celsius to provide treated blood. Or, inother embodiments the temperature may be above 42 degrees Celsius andbelow 43.8 degrees Celsius or below, for example, 43.5 degrees Celsius.The method may further include performing dialysis (e.g., convectiondialysis or diffusion dialysis) on the blood. The method may furtherinclude removing carbon dioxide from the blood. The method may alsoinclude adding oxygen to the blood.

According to some embodiments, a method may treat blood outside of abody of a patient. The method may further include heating the blood to atemperature above 42 degrees Celsius and below 43.2 degrees Celsius. Or,in other embodiments the temperature may be above 42 degrees Celsius andbelow 43.8 degrees Celsius or below, for example, 43.5 degrees Celsius.The method may also include adding a substance to the blood thatfacilitates the production of reactive oxygen species within the bloodas discussed above.

In various embodiments, some, none, or all of the following advantagescan be present. Induced hyperthermia can be applied to the entire body.Blood can be maintained at a temperature between 42 and 43.2 degreesCelsius (or at any of the temperature ranges or temperatures discussedherein) while being removed and pumped into the body. Or, in otherembodiments the temperature may be above 42 degrees Celsius and below43.8 degrees Celsius or below, for example, 43.5 degrees Celsius.Induced hyperthermia can be accomplished in some cases without the needof a heat chamber. One or more of the embodiments described above may beused as a standard of care and treatment for various cancers or othermaladies and can reduce or avoid the need of further treatment (e.g.,surgical removal of tumor or cancer cells). One or more of thetechniques discussed above may enable induced hyperthermia such that: atemperature of 42 degrees Celsius or slightly higher (e.g., such as anyof the temperature ranges or temperatures discussed herein) is appliedto all, or substantially all, or a majority of the cancer cells in abody for an appropriate duration of time (such as any of the ranges oftime discussed herein); the entire body (or the important parts of thebody) can be heated substantially consistently throughout the treatment;the core body (or the important parts of the body) temperature,including the brain's temperature, can be accurately monitored. Aprecise, body-wide, controllable hyperthermia method can be achievedthat can kill all, nearly all, or a substantial number of the cancercells in a patient over their entire body or substantially their entirebody without harming (or severely harming) or damaging the patienteither during the procedure, hours after the procedure, or one or moredays after the procedure. A high blood flow rate may be enabled so thatinduced hyperthermia can raise the core body temperature to the range of42 to 43.2 degrees Celsius (or any of the temperature ranges ortemperatures discussed herein) within 45 minutes (or any of the timeranges discussed herein) without raising the temperature of the blood to44 to 48 degrees Celsius, which has a greater potential to kill thepatient's good cells. Or, in other embodiments the temperature may beabove 42 degrees Celsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius or below, forexample, 43.5 degrees Celsius. Convection dialysis can be employed toremove toxins and/or pro inflammatory mediators created by full bodyinduced hyperthermia that are in the range of 1-60,000 Daltons or above;dialysis (convection or diffusion) can be performed during the inducedhyperthermia and after the induced hyperthermia (e.g., up to 48 hoursafter induced hyperthermia, or any of the time durations discussedabove) to better remove toxins and/or pro inflammatory mediators. Proinflammatory mediators, toxins, and/or plasma water can be removed usingdialysis; these can be placed in a suitable location (e.g., a wastecontainer). The amount of plasma water removed using dialysis can bemeasured and this measurement can be used to determine an amount offluid to introduce to the blood. The fluid can be plasma water iselectrolyte-balanced and/or acid-balanced. The fluid can be returned tothe blood just prior to entering back into the patient's body. The fluidcan help maintain physiological homeostasis and proper fluid balance.

Other technical advantages of the present disclosure will be readilyapparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures,descriptions, and claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have beenenumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none ofthe enumerated advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers representlike parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system for inducing hyperthermia.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a method for inducing hyperthermia.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a heat exchanger.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of an electrical heat exchanger.

FIG. 5 illustrates two embodiments of a manner of heating blood while itis in the path.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a system for inducing hyperthermiawith multiple toxin removal systems.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a venting system.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a system configured to inducehyperthermia without heating the blood in a path.

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of inducing hyperthermia where thepatient is in an enclosure that is heated.

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a method for treating bloodoutside of a body.

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrates embodiments of implementing a heat exchangerusing solid materials.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate embodiments of heat exchanging systems.

FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate embodiments of heat exchanging systems usingmultiple heat exchangers.

FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of a heat exchanging systemconfigured to use a membrane to facilitate transfer of heat to the bloodfrom a patient.

FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of a system configured to removetoxins from a patient's blood.

FIG. 16 illustrates one embodiment of a system configured to removetoxins from a patient's blood.

FIG. 17 illustrates one embodiment of a method for removing toxins froma patient's blood.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of system 100 that may be used toinduce hyperthermia in patient 102. The system 100 may be used to treatblood outside of the body of the patient 102. The block diagram of FIG.1 illustrates a blood path where blood from patient 102 may be drawn bypump 104. On the other side of pump 104 blood may be pushed to othercomponents of FIG. 1 (e.g., downstream from pump 104). The blood may bedirected to heat exchanger 110 that may heat the blood using heat source112. After being heated, the blood may be sent to oxygenator 114 whichcan be configured to add oxygen to the blood (and/or remove carbondioxide from the blood). In some embodiments, oxygenator 114 can beplaced in the path such that blood reaches it prior to reaching heatexchanger 110. The blood may be directed to venting system 108 (whichcan vent carbon dioxide from the blood). After, the blood may be sent topatient 102. Separate streams may be sent to toxin removal system 106and reintroduction system 116. Reintroduction system 116 can addpharmaceuticals, vitamins, and/or nutritional elements (e.g., liquidfood and/or glucose) to the blood before sending the blood to the pathin which pump 104 draws blood from patient 102 (e.g., upstream from pump104). After being treated by toxin removal system 106, the blood can besent to the path in which pump 104 draws blood from patient 102 (e.g.,upstream from pump 104). Furthermore, temperature probes 118 a-1 may beincluded in system 100 to monitor the temperature of the bloodthroughout the path. Other temperature probes (not explicitly shown) maybe used to measure the temperature of the patient in various locations,and may include a measurement or estimate of core temperature. Also,system 100 may further include support system 103, which can be used toprovide chemicals or other support to patient 102 to facilitate thehealth of patient 102.

In some embodiments, system 100 can be used to induce hyperthermia inpatient 102 between 42 and 43.9 degrees Celsius, and more preferablybetween 42 and 43.2 degrees. Or, in other embodiments the temperaturemay be above 42 degrees Celsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius or below,for example, 43.5 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the inducedhyperthermia can be maintained for a duration in a range of, forexample, 15 minutes to 6 hours. In some embodiments, to inducehyperthermia and/or maintain the induced hyperthermia, blood of thepatient may be withdrawn from the patient and/or returned to the patientat a rate of, for example 5-7 liters per minute. Furthermore, thetechniques described herein regarding induced hyperthermia can be usedto treat various maladies, in some embodiments. As examples, varioustypes of cancer, bacterial infections, viral infections, meningitis,Hepatitis C, Ebola, AIDS, staph infections, and pneumonia (viral orbacterial), dementia, Alzheimer's, or other maladies that can beaddressed using an induced fever may be treated using the inducedhyperthermia techniques discussed herein. System 100 can be used toinduce a fever (e.g., a mass fever) in a patient yet protect thepatient's brain and organs from the fever (e.g., through the use of atoxin removal system, through venting carbon dioxide, and/or throughadding oxygen).

In particular, according to some embodiments, system 100 can be used toinduce hyperthermia in patient 102 between 42 and 43.9 degrees Celsius,and more preferably between 42 and 43.2 degrees Celsius, in order totreat various types of cancers. Or, in other embodiments the temperaturemay be above 42 degrees Celsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius or below,for example, 43.5 degrees Celsius. Various types of cancer cells die attemperatures of approximately 42 degrees Celsius and above if they aresubjected to that temperature or slightly above for a proper length oftime. Furthermore, because there is a differential thermal responsebetween normal cells and cancerous tissue as well as certain viruses andbacteria, induced systemic hyperthermia at 42 degrees Celsius and higher(within a range of tolerance) can cause death of cancer cells, viruses,and/or bacteria with a lesser impact on the body's healthy cells. At themolecular level, hyperthermia can be a stimulus for apoptotic cell deathin cancer cells. At the cellular level, effects of hyperthermia caninclude: damage caused by heat-induced lipid peroxidation, reduction ofthe mitotic rate, destabilization of cellular membranes, and/or anincrease in tumor necrosis factor-a and IL-1B. In some embodiments,within a tumor, hyperthermia can cause decreased blood flow, an elevatedrate of glycolysis, acidosis, and/or oxygen utilization. Heat can have astimulatory effect on the immune system, e.g., potentially causingincreases in the production of interferon-y and/or increased immunesurveillance.

In some embodiments, induced hyperthermia using system 100 may beaccomplished by removing and heating the patient's blood and thenreturning the blood to the patient. The procedure may increase the coretemperature of all, or substantially all, of the patient's body to atemperature in the range of 42 to 43.2 degrees Celsius, and sometimes upto 43.9 degrees Celsius. Or, in other embodiments the temperature may beabove 42 degrees Celsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius or below, forexample, 43.5 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the procedure may increasethe core temperature of all, or substantially all, of the patient's bodyto a temperature in any other suitable range for treating particularmaladies, such as, for example, a range of 42 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, arange of 42.1 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.2 to 43.9 degreesCelsius, a range of 42.3 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.4 to43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.5 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a rangeof 42.6 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.7 to 43.9 degreesCelsius, a range of 42.8 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.9 to43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 43.0 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a rangeof 43.1 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 43.2 to 43.9 degreesCelsius, a range of 43.3 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 43.4 to43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 43.5 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a rangeof 43.6 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 43.7 to 43.9 degreesCelsius, a range of 43.8 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 43.8degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 43.7 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to43.6 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 43.5 degrees Celsius, a range of43 to 43.8 degrees Celsius, a range of 43.1 to 43.8 degrees Celsius, arange of 43.2 to 43.8 degrees Celsius, a range of 43.3 to 43.8 degreesCelsius, a range of 43.4 to 43.8 degrees Celsius, a range of 43.5 to43.8 degrees Celsius, a range of 43.6 to 43.8 degrees Celsius, a rangeof 42 to 43.5 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.1 to 43.5 degrees Celsius,a range of 42.2 to 43.5 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.3 to 43.5 degreesCelsius, a range of 42.4 to 43.5 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.5 to43.5 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.6 to 43.5 degrees Celsius, a rangeof 42.7 to 43.5 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.8 to 43.5 degreesCelsius, a range of 42.8 to 43.5 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.9 to43.5 degrees Celsius, a range of 43.0 to 43.5 degrees Celsius, a rangeof 42 to 43.4 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 43.3 degrees Celsius, arange of 42 to 43.2 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 43.1 degreesCelsius, a range of 42 to 43.0 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 42.8degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 42.7 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to42.6 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 42.5 degrees Celsius, a range of42 to 42.4 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 42.3 degrees Celsius, arange of 42 to 42.2 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 42.1 degreesCelsius, a range of 42.1 to 42.8 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.3 to42.7 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.4 to 42.6 degrees Celsius, a rangeof 42.5 to 42.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.6 to 42.9 degreesCelsius, a range of 42.7 to 42.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.8 to42.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.5 to 42.8 degrees Celsius, a rangeof 42.5 to 42.7 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.5 to 42.6 degreesCelsius, or any other range between 42 and 43.9 degrees Celsius.Additionally, the procedure may increase the core temperature or thetemperature of all, or substantially all, of the patient's body to atemperature not above a particular temperature that may materially hurtthe patient, such as, for example, a temperature not above 43.9 degreesCelsius, a temperature not above 43.8 degrees Celsius, a temperature notabove 43.7 degrees Celsius, a temperature not above 43.6 degreesCelsius, a temperature not above 43.5 degrees Celsius, a temperature notabove 43.4 degrees Celsius, a temperature not above 43.3 degreesCelsius, a temperature not above 43.2 degrees Celsius, a temperature notabove 43.1 degrees Celsius, a temperature not above 43.0 degreesCelsius, a temperature not above 42.9 degrees Celsius, a temperature notabove 42.8 degrees Celsius, a temperature not above 42.7 degreesCelsius, a temperature not above 42.6 degrees Celsius, a temperature notabove 42.5 degrees Celsius, a temperature not above 42.4 degreesCelsius, a temperature not above 42.3 degrees Celsius, a temperature notabove 42.2 degrees Celsius, a temperature not above 42.1 degreesCelsius, or a temperature not above 42.0 degrees Celsius.

The core temperature or the temperature of all, or substantially all, ofthe patient's body may be determined in any manner known in the medicalfield. For example, the core temperature or the temperature of all, orsubstantially all, of the patient's body may be determined based on ameasurement taken at a single area of the patient's body or based onmeasurements taken at multiple areas of the patient's body. Examples ofdetermining the core temperature or the temperature of all, orsubstantially all, of the patient's body are discussed below in furtherdetail.

The time frame to raise the core temperature of the patient's body usingthe system 100 to the above-discussed range (or the above-discussedtemperature) can be in the range of 20 minutes to 1 hour. In someembodiments, the time frame to raise the core temperature of thepatient's body to the above-discussed range (or the above-discussedtemperature) can be any other range, such as, 15 minutes to 25 minutes,15 minutes to 30 minutes, 15 minutes to 35 minutes, 15 minutes to 40minutes, 15 minutes to 45 minutes, 15 minutes to 50 minutes, 15 minutesto 1 hour, 30 minutes to 1 hour, 45 minutes to 1 hour, 15 minutes to 1.5hours, 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, 15 minutes to 2hours, 30 minutes to 2 hours, 1 hour to 2 hours, or any other range oftime. Furthermore, once the above-discussed temperature range (or theabove-discussed temperature) of the body is reached, the temperature ofthe patient's body can be maintained (or intermittently maintained)within one or more of the above-discussed ranges (or maintained at oneor more of the above-discussed temperatures) for a duration in a rangeof 15 minutes to 6 hours (e.g., more preferably 2-4 hours, or for 1,1.5, 2, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, or 5.5 hours). In some embodiments, thetemperature of the patient's body can be maintained within one or moreof the above-discussed ranges (or maintained at one or more of theabove-discussed temperatures) for a duration in any other range, such as15 minutes to 2 hours, 15 minutes to 3 hours, 15 minutes to 4 hours, 15minutes to 5 hours, 15 minutes to 7 hours, 1 hour to 2 hours, 1 hour to3 hours, 1 hour to 4 hours, 1 hour to 5 hours, 1 hour to 6 hours, 2hours to 3 hours, 2 hours to 4 hours, 2 hours to 5 hours, 2 hours to 6hours, 3 hours to 4 hours, 3 hours to 5 hours, 3 hours to 6 hours, orany other range.

In some embodiments, the body's healthy cells can be maintained safelyat a temperature in the range of 42 to 42.9 degrees Celsius for up to 4hours. Or, in other embodiments the temperature may be above 42 degreesCelsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius or below, for example, 43.5degrees Celsius. This can avoid damage to the body's healthy cells,organs, and physiological functions. The induced hyperthermia discussedherein can be accomplished without heating the blood or the body'shealthy cells to more than a desired maximum temperature. For example,the maximum temperature can be any temperature in the range of 42.0 to43.9 degrees Celsius, such as, for example 42.0, 42.1, 42.2, 42.3, 42.4,42.5, 42.6, 42.7, 42.8, 42.9, 43.0, 43.1, 43.2, 43.3, 43.4, 43.5, 43.6,43.7, 43.8, 43.9 degrees Celsius. In some situations, temperatures abovethe desired maximum temperature can result in damage to the patient'sblood or to healthy cells. Optionally, fluids (such as saline and/oracid-balanced and electrolyte-balanced fluids) can be administered tothe patient that are heated to between 42 and 43.9 degrees Celsius(e.g., 42.5 degrees Celsius, or any of the temperature ranges ortemperatures discussed above); this may facilitate heating the coretemperature of the patient to between 42 and 43.9 degrees Celsius (orany of the temperature ranges or temperatures discussed above) at afaster rate than without administering such fluids in variousembodiments. Such fluids can be administered in the path where the bloodflows to components of system 100 and/or into a patient directly.

In some embodiments, maintaining the temperature of the patient's bodyfor a particular duration of time may include maintaining thetemperature of the patient's body at the above-discussed ranges (ortemperatures) throughout the entire duration of time, or throughout asubstantial portion of the duration of time. For example, thetemperature of the patient's body may increase above (or decrease below)the above-discussed ranges (or temperatures) for short periods duringthe duration of time. However, the average temperature of the patient'sbody during the duration of time may be at the above-discussed ranges(or temperatures). Or, the temperature of the patient's body can be atthe above-discussed ranges (or temperatures) for any of the abovediscussed amounts of time during a longer hyperthermia procedure. Forexample, the body could be maintained within a range of 42.5-43.2degrees Celsius for one hour of a two hour hyperthermia procedure andthat hour could be the total time of intermittent time periods (e.g. twohalf hour periods) where the temperature was in that range.

In various embodiments, system 100 may include other various materialsand structures to facilitate the operations discussed herein. Forexample, catheters and/or cannulas can be placed on patient 102 toremove and/or return blood (e.g., a minimally invasive long venouscatheter and a minimally invasive short arterial cannula). As anotherexample, the system may further include tubing used to connect one ormore components of the system 100 (e.g., the connector between heatexchanger 110 and oxygenator 114, etc.) may be high-grade PVC. As afurther example, pump 104 can be centrifugal and resistant dependentwith a flow range of 0.5 to 15 liters per minute (or any of the flowrates discussed below). Various connectors with luer locks can beincorporated in the path to allow for the addition of a toxin removalsystem path (e.g., a convection dialysis path) and for drawing anysamples useful for laboratory analysis in various embodiments. Anysuitable techniques or equipment can be used to implement the pathdepicted in FIG. 1. The path is generally a fluid flow path though othertypes of paths may be used in various embodiments. The path may beconfigured to allow fluids (e.g., liquids) to and from the variouscomponents of system 100. Valves, tubes, locks, or other suitableequipment may be used to implement the path of system 100.

In some embodiments, system 100 can be used in a veno-veno system. Forexample, system 100 may be used to cause blood from patient 102 to beextracted, heated, and then returned to patient 102 via the top rightatrium of the heart using a cannula (or other device) in the jugularvein. This is where the heart pumps the heated blood to the body ofpatient 102. Causing the heart to distribute the heated blood canfacilitate the body reaching an equilibrium temperature of 42.0-43.9(but more preferably between 42.5 and 43.8) degrees Celsius (or any ofthe ranges or temperatures discussed above). As another example, system100 can be used to cause blood from patient 102 to be extracted, heated,and then returned to patient 102 using a cannula (or other device) inany other vein of the patient's body, or in any combination of one ormore veins in the patient's body. Furthermore, system 100 may be used tocause blood from patient 102 to be extracted from a different vein (orveins) than the vein (or veins) where the blood is returned to patient102. System 100 may be used to deliver the heated blood to the patient(or the heart of the patient) at 4-7 liters per minute (or any of theother flow rates discussed below) on average. In some embodiments,system 100 can be used in a veno-arterial system. Blood taken from avein of patient 102 may be treated by the system 100 and the heatedblood can be returned back into the body of patient 102 using an artery.Furthermore, blood taken from one or more veins of patient may betreated by the system 100 and the heated blood can be returned back intothe body of patient 102 using one or more arteries (or vice versa). Insome embodiments, this configuration can mostly bypass the heart. System100 can deliver the heated blood to the patient at 4-7 liters per minute(or any of the other flow rates discussed below) on average. While theabove options are preferable, any combination of extraction from veinsor arteries and return of the blood to any combination of veins orarteries could be used without departing from the scope of theinvention.

According to the illustrated embodiment, system 100 may include pump104. In some embodiments, pump 104 can be configured to use flow ratesin the range of 4 to 7 liters per minute. For example, pump 104 may beconfigured to cause the blood flow rate to be between 4.1 and 7 litersper minute, between 4.2 and 7 liters per minute, between 4.3 and 7liters per minute, between 4.4 and 7 liters per minute, between 4.5 and7 liters per minute, between 4.6 and 7 liters per minute, between 4.7and 7 liters per minute, between 4.8 and 7 liters per minute, between4.9 and 7 liters per minute, between 5 and 7 liters per minute, between5.1 and 7 liters per minute, between 5.5 and 7 liters per minute,between 6 and 7 liters per minute, between 6.5 and 7 liters per minute,between 5 and 6.5 liters per minute, between 5 and 6 liters per minute,between 5 and 5.5 liters per minute, or any other range between 4-7liters per minute. In other embodiments, average flow rates of 8 liters,9 liters, or 10 liters per minute can be used. Flow rates above 4 litersper minute can provide advantages. One example is that flow rates above4 liters per minute can facilitate even distribution of the heated bloodthroughout the body. Another example is that flow rates above 4 litersper minute can avoid subjecting the body's blood to temperatures thatcan destroy a substantial amount of good blood cells. For example, inone embodiment, the blood is not subjected to temperatures at or higherthan 43.9 degrees Celsius (or higher than any of the above-discussedranges or temperatures). Faster flowing blood may also facilitate morerapid heating of the body to achieve hyperthermia. Faster flow rates mayallow for certain rates disclosed herein of operation of one or morecomponents of FIG. 1 (such as reintroduction system 116, oxygenator 114,venting system 108, and toxin removal system 106) Note that the aboveflow rates could all be instantaneous flow rates or average flow ratesover time.

In some embodiments, the flow rate of the blood may be determined in anymanner known in the medical field. For example, the flow rate of theblood may be determined based on a measurement taken at a single area ofthe patient's body, based on measurements taken at multiple areas of thepatient's body, based on measurements takes at a single area of the pathof system 100 (e.g., a measurement taken when the blood exits pump 104),based on measurements taken at more than one area of the path of system100 (e.g., an average of a measurement taken when the blood enters pump104 and a measurement taken when the blood exits pump 104), or anycombination of the preceding (e.g., an average of measurements taken atone or more areas of the patient's body and one or more areas of thepath of system 100).

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the flow rate of the blood may includea flow rate that is maintained during all, or substantially all, of theprocedure. For example, the flow rate of the blood may be maintainedwhile the core temperature of the patient's body is raised to theabove-discussed ranges or temperatures (e.g., 20 minutes to 1 hour, orany of the durations discussed below) and while the temperature of thepatient's body is maintained within one or more of the above-discussedranges or temperatures (e.g., 15 minutes to 6 hours, or any of thedurations discussed below). Additionally, maintaining the flow rate ofthe blood during all, or substantially all, of the procedure may includemaintaining the flow rate of the blood at the above-discussed flow rateranges throughout the entire duration of all, or substantially all, ofthe procedure, or throughout a substantial portion of all, orsubstantially all, of the procedure. For example, the flow rate of theblood may increase above (or decrease below) the above-discussed flowrate ranges for short periods during all, or substantially all, of theprocedure. However, the average flow rate of the blood during all, orsubstantially all, of the procedure (or for a specific time period ofthe procedure such as 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5hours, 2 hours, 2.5 hours, 3 hours, 3.5 hours, 4 hours, 4.5 hours, 5hours, 5.5 hours, or any fraction of one of these time periods) may beat the above-discussed flow rate ranges. Furthermore, maintaining theflow rate of the blood during all, or substantially all, of theprocedure may include causing pump 104 to pump the blood at any flowrate that causes the flow rate of the blood to be maintained. Forexample, in order to maintain the flow rate of the blood, the pump 104may pump the blood at an increased or decreased rate (or may not pumpthe blood at all) for short periods.

Using the above-discussed flow rate ranges, system 100 may be used toraise the core body temperature to at least 42 degrees Celsius (or anyof the other temperatures set forth above) within 45 minutes. Certainprevious methods of induced hyperthermia utilize blood flows between 1to 1.35 liters per minute. Due to these rates, achieving a core bodytemperature that is at or above 42 degrees Celsius within 45 minutesrequired subjecting the blood from the patient to temperatures between44-48 degrees Celsius for a portion of time. Unfortunately, heating theblood to 44-48 degrees Celsius can harm the blood, kill healthy cells(including red and white cells), damage plasma, and cause otherpotential damage.

System 100 can cause blood flow rates greater than 4 or 5 liters (orgreater than the other flow rates set forth above) per minute and heatthe patient's blood to a temperature of between 42 and 43.2 degreesCelsius (or any of the other ranges above) to cause the core bodytemperature (or substantially all of the body's temperature) to beraised to 42 degrees Celsius or above (e.g., to 42.5 degrees Celsius)within 45 minutes. Or, in other embodiments the temperature may be above42 degrees Celsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius or below, for example,43.5 degrees Celsius. Thus, system 100 can be used to heat the body upto a temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius in all, substantially all, amajority of, or in the core of the body and to maintain that temperaturefor a period of 2 hours or up to, e.g., 6 hours (or any of the abovetime ranges). The temperature that system 100 heats the body to canrange from 42 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, or any of the temperature rangesor temperatures discussed above. In so doing, system 100 may facilitatethe death of cancer cells while healthy cells may continue to live.System 100 can thus enable induced hyperthermia in a safer manner thanprevious techniques. The core temperature can be measured in thestomach. Other methods of measuring the temperature of the body todetermine if it has been raised to the desired range include measuringthe temperature anally, in the tympanic membrane, in the esophagus, inthe blood exiting the body into the path, or in any other suitablelocation.

Although system 100 is illustrated as only including a single pump 104,system 100 may include more than one pump 104, such as 2 pumps 104, 3pumps 104, 4 pumps 104, 5 pumps 104, or any other number of pumps 104.Furthermore, although system 100 illustrates pump 104 as being locatedin a particular area of system 100, pump(s) 104 may be located at anyarea of system 100, such as immediately before and/or after toxinremoval system 106, venting system 108, heat exchanger 110, oxygenator114, and/or reintroduction system 116. Additionally, pump(s) 104 may beintegrated with (or otherwise included with) one or more of toxinremoval system 106, venting system 108, heat exchanger 110, oxygenator114, and reintroduction system 116.

According to the illustrated embodiment, system 100 may include toxinremoval system 106. In some embodiments, toxin removal system 106removes certain toxins from the blood before, during, or afterhyperthermia. As an example, such toxins can be created during theinduced hyperthermia caused by system 100 due to the death of cancercells (other manners of killing cancer cells can include: using virusesto attach and kill the cancer cells, killing cancer cells usingchemotherapy or radiation, killing cancer cells using stem cell therapy,or using immunotherapy to kill cancer cells); in some situations, it canbe damaging to the body if such toxins are not removed. For example, inthe event that cancer dies quickly in the human body, toxins andinflammatory mediators can damage the human anatomy and, in somesituations, can threaten the patient's life. The induced hyperthermiacan cause destruction and death of all, substantially all, or asignificant amount (e.g., greater than 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%,70%, 80%, or 90%) of cancer tissue in tumors as well as of cancer cellsthemselves. This can cause an increased amount of toxins in the body.Toxin removal system 106 may perform (or otherwise implement) dialysis(e.g., diffusion dialysis, convection dialysis, and/or hemodialysis) orany other toxin removal procedure to remove these toxins.

Dialysis can be configured in accordance with various considerationssuch as the sizes and molecular weights of the toxins, the methods toremove the toxins, and the ability of the dialysis process to maintainthe body with PH balanced electrolyte homeostasis. In some situations,such as when using convection dialysis, water can be removed from theblood. The dialysis process can assist in maintaining balanced chemistryin the patient's body during the procedure. This can increase safety ofthe patient and avoid harm or even death. For example, some toxins(e.g., pro inflammatory mediators like Interlukin and Cytokines) can bein the range of 12,000 to 30,000 Daltons. In some embodiments, toxinscreated by cancer cell death can be in that range and some may be evengreater (e.g., 40,000 to 60,000 Daltons or higher). In variousembodiments, the amount of toxins and pro inflammatory mediators createdby cancer cell death can vary from patient to patient, by type ofcancer, by number of cancer cells, and by mass of cancer tissue. Otherfactors can also affect the amount of toxins and pro inflammatorymediators created by cancer cell death. Toxin removal system 106 canalso add fluid (e.g., electrolyte-balanced and acid-balanced plasmawater) to the blood to facilitate physiological homeostasis. Toxinremoval system 106 can add fluid after filtration of blood but prior tothe blood returning to the path of system 100. Toxin removal system 106can include suitable structures configured to add the fluid, such aspumps, containers, tubes, and valves. Such structures can be part of orseparate from the portions of toxin removal system 106 that filtersubstances out of the blood.

In some embodiments, the pore size of the membranes used inhemodialysis, convection dialysis, or intermittent renal dialysisdetermines the size of the toxins and inflammatory mediators that willbe removed by the toxin removal systems. For example, toxin removalsystem 106 can target contaminants in the range of 1 Dalton to 60,000Daltons (e.g., between 1,000-40,000 Daltons, between 500-40,000 Daltons,above 6,000 Daltons) using one or more of diffusion dialysis, convectiondialysis, and hemodialysis. Certain standard diffusion membranecartridges are ineffective for the removal of cancer toxins andinflammatory mediators. Membranes can be tailored to target thecontaminants discussed herein. In some situations, membranes can be used(in diffusion dialysis, convection dialysis, or hemodialysis) that stopfiltering at a particular value, such as stopping in the range of 40,000to 60,000 Daltons. This may advantageous in certain embodiments wheremedications or other chemicals that have been intentionally added to theblood so that such medications or chemicals are not removed by the toxinremoval system. It can also be advantageous in that bacteria and virusesmay be removed by membranes sized between 40,000 to 60,000 (or higher)Daltons; this can lead to the reduction or prevention of infectionsduring and after the procedures discussed in this disclosure.

Toxin removal system 106 may, as an example, comprise a diffusiondialysis system that utilizes an ultrafiltration membrane cartridge withan effective removal ability of 0.01 to 5,000 or 6,000 Daltons.Maintenance of electrolyte homeostasis can be achieved using PH-balancedreplacement fluids (e.g., sodium chloride, potassium chloride, bi-carband calcium). In some embodiments, toxin removal system 106 can useconvection dialysis in addition to, or as an alternative to, diffusiondialysis; convection dialysis can better remove toxins in the range of 1to 60,000 Daltons or higher. One example of convection dialysis isContinuous Veno Veno Hemofiltration (CVVH). CVVH has been FDA approvedfor maintaining physiological homeostasis. In some embodiments,convection dialysis uses a pressure gradient (e.g., between the bloodand a solution separated by a filter medium) to force plasma water thatcontains the toxins and other undesirable inflammatory mediators througha filter medium and into a waste container. Simultaneously or atsubstantially the same time, plasma water that is electrolyte- andacid-balanced can be returned to the blood after filtration. This canassist in maintaining physiologic homeostasis and proper fluid balance.For example, all of the patient's plasma water can be replaced one ormore times during a procedure (e.g., within an hour such as between10-15 minutes). This can be advantageous as it can serve as analternative to a blood transfusion. Fluids removed from the blood usingtoxin removal system 106 may be analyzed with sensing equipment. Thefluid returned to the blood can have ingredients added based upon thesensing of the extracted fluid in order for a physiologic homeostasisand proper fluid balance to be facilitated. As an example, toxin removalsystem 106 can include one or more GAMBRO PRISMAFLEX devices or similardevices.

As an example, blood flow rates in the convection dialysis used in toxinremoval system 106 can range between 200 and 7,000 milliliters perminute (or any of the flow rate ranges discussed above). In someembodiments, toxin removal system 106 can cause a convection dialysisflow rate, taken as a slip stream from the full flow of blood frompatient 102, of, as examples, 600-900 milliliters per minute, 0.2 litersper minute, 0.25 liters per minute, 0.3 liters per minute, 0.35 litersper minute, 0.4 liters per minute, 0.45 liters per minute, 0.5 litersper minute, 0.55 liters per minute, 0.6 liters per minute, 0.65 litersper minute, 0.7 liters per minute, 0.75 liters per minute, 0.8 litersper minute, 0.85 liters per minute, 0.9 liters per minute, 0.95 litersper minute, 1 liter per minute, 1.1 liters per minute, 1.2 liters perminute, 1.3 liters per minute, 1.4 liters per minute, 1.5 liters perminute, 1.6 liters per minute, 1.7 liters per minute, 1.8 liters perminute, 1.9 liters per minute, 2 liters per minute, 2.1 liters perminute, 2.2 liters per minute, 2.3 liters per minute, 2.4 liters perminute, 2.5 liters per minute, 2.6 liters per minute, 2.7 liters perminute, 2.8 liters per minute, 2.9 liters per minute, and 3 liters perminute. The flow of blood caused by pump(s) 104 (e.g., at or above 4liters per minute) can, in various embodiments, enable flow rates intoxin removal system 106. In some embodiments, convection dialysis canbetter remove toxins than diffusion dialysis; for example, diffusiondialysis may not effectively remove the sizes of the pro inflammatorymediators and toxins created by the death of the cancer cells duringinduced hyperthermia (e.g., sizes over 5,000 or 6,000 Daltons). One ormore monitors can be used as part of toxin removal system 106 todetermine what is being removed from the blood (e.g., both toxins andbeneficial matter). Blood gas analyzers are examples of such monitors.As other examples, blood liquid analyzers can be used to monitor one ormore physiological functions of the patient during various times of theprocedure. Blood thinners can be added to any of the toxin removalsystems 106 in various embodiments; this may help prevent the devicesfrom having their performance affected by accumulation of blood or othermaterials.

In some embodiments, toxin removal system 106 may be enclosed in aninsulative cover. As an example, a cover made of Styrofoam or othersuitable insulative material may be placed over and/or around toxinremoval system 106. This may help reduce the amount of heat dissipatedfrom the blood as it passes through toxin removal system 106. Ports orother suitable access points may be included in the insulative cover toallow access to toxin removal system 106. For example, plastic doors canbe used in the insulative cover to allow viewing and/or access to toxinremoval system 106.

In some embodiments, toxin removal system 106 can be a single device.For example, toxin removal system 106 can be a single dialysis machine.In some embodiments, toxin removal system 106 can be multiple devices.For example, toxin removal system 106 can be multiple dialysis machinesused in parallel. In some embodiments (as illustrated in FIG. 1), bloodprovided to toxin removal system 106 can be taken as a slip stream fromthe full flow of blood from patient 102. In some embodiments, one ormore pumps 104 may provide blood directly (or indirectly) to toxinremoval system 106. As such, all (or substantially all) of the bloodremoved from the patient 102 may be provided to toxin removal system106, rather than sending some to that system and some through pump 104.In such a system, toxin removal system 106 would be in line with therest of the path at some point. Furthermore, in some embodiments, one ormore units of blood (and/or saline) may be injected (or otherwise added)into the path and/or patient 102 to make up for the amount of bloodbeing provided to toxin removal system (and/or other components ofsystem 100). These injections of blood (and/or saline) may be providedat any area of system 100, such as into patient 102, immediately beforeand/or after toxin removal system 106, or any other area. Alternatively,they could be provided to the patient directly.

Like the location of pump 104, toxin removal system 106 could be placedanywhere within the path, in a separate path (e.g., loop) branched offof the path such that a portion of the blood flowing in the path isbranched to toxin removal system 106, or omitted from the path. Toxinremoval system 106 could also have one or more apparatuses within it toheat the blood to any of the ranges set forth above. For example, itmight have heated tubing of one of the types discussed herein. Toxinremoval system 106 may also include one or more pumps. It is alsopossible to have multiple toxin removal systems either within the pathor coupled to the path. Where multiple toxin removal systems are used,they could be coupled to the path in the same location or in multiplelocations and could form one loop or a separate loop.

In some embodiments, toxin removal system 106 can be configured tooperate after system 100 has completed causing blood of patient 102 tobe at a temperature high enough to induce hyperthermia in patient 102.For example, toxin removal system 106 can continue to operate for, e.g.,15 minutes to 48 hours on blood in the path external to patient 102after system 100 has ceased heating the blood of patient 102 to asufficient degree to induce hyperthermia (e.g., during a cool downperiod). The blood in the path can, in some embodiments, continue to beheated while toxin removal system 106 continues its operation. Forexample, instead of heating the blood to between, e.g., 42-43.9 degreesCelsius (in order to induce hyperthermia), the blood can be heated to,e.g., between 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius. Heating blanket(s) can beused to help reduce or prevent the chance of hypothermia.

In some embodiments, toxin removal system 106 can be used to facilitatetreatment of patients undergoing various procedures that do notnecessarily involve inducing hyperthermia, including chemotherapy. Toxinremoval system 106, e.g., can remove the toxins that could otherwiseharm or kill a patient undergoing such procedures. As an example, byremoving such toxins kidney poisoning can be reduced or prevented; suchpoisoning can, in certain situations, lead to kidneys shutting downtemporarily or permanently. Toxin removal system 106 can, in someembodiments, reduce or prevent damage to bone marrow due to toxins;damage to bone marrow can impede or stop the production of bloodplatelets temporarily or permanently. This can lead to harm to thepatient that can culminate in death. For example, toxin removal system106 can prevent or reduce the chances of a patient's relative plateletnumber dropping below 25,000 (e.g., at, near, or below 10,000). In someembodiments, system 100 can include toxin removal system 106 but notinclude other components such as heat exchanger 110 and heat source 112and thus provide treatment to the blood of a patient withoutsubstantially heating the blood of the patient. As an example, system100 can be configured to treat the blood of a patient undergoingchemotherapy; the blood of the patient can be treated using toxinremoval system 106. This can remove toxins in the blood caused by thechemotherapy and improve a patient's chances of not being damaged from,or dying from, chemotherapy treatment (e.g., such as if the patient isundergoing heavy dosages of chemotherapy or fast-acting chemotherapy).In a similar manner, toxin removal system 106 can be used withtreatments other than chemotherapy that also cause toxins to increase inthe blood, such as radiation treatment, proton therapy, treatments forEbola, Hepatitis C, viruses, bacteria, and diseases (such as staphinfections). In some embodiments, one or more of the flow ratesassociated with toxin removal system 106 discussed herein. The blood ofthe patient can optionally be treated by other aspects of system 100discussed herein.

In some embodiments, venting system 108 is included in system 100 andconfigured to vent undesirable gases (e.g., carbon dioxide and/or carbonmonoxide) from the blood in the path. As an example, venting system 108may include a filter that facilitates venting of carbon dioxide and/orcarbon monoxide. Suitable filters include (as examples): membranefilters (e.g., an oxygenator in line with a vent), adsorptive filters,and absorptive filters. The filter may have a cross-flowing (orreverse-flowing) flow of a fluid (e.g., a gas or a liquid such asoxygen) on the other side from the blood. The cross-flow may be, forexample, 0.01-8 liters per minute; an example of a gas used in thecross-flow includes oxygen (e.g., medical grade oxygen). This mayfacilitate the venting of carbon dioxide (and/or carbon monoxide) fromthe blood by facilitating the flow of carbon dioxide (and/or carbonmonoxide) across the membrane of the filter. Furthermore, thiscross-flowing (or reverse-flowing) flow of fluid may be generatedaccording to any known technique. An example of venting system 108 isdescribed further in FIG. 7.

Venting the carbon dioxide from the blood may be advantageous in variousembodiments. During induced hyperthermia, in some embodiments, thecardiovascular output and respiratory output of patient 102 isincreased. The death of cancer cells and the stress put on all cells cancause a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood. In some situations,giving patient 102 100% oxygen and increasing the ventilator to fullcapacity is not sufficient to treat the excess carbon dioxide. Removingthe carbon dioxide can prevent a cardiac arrhythmia, a heart failure, orother health failure of patient 102. Hence, venting the carbon dioxidein the path can be advantageous. In some embodiments, venting system 108can be included as part of (or integrated with) other components ofsystem 100 (e.g., heat exchanger 110).

In some embodiments, venting the carbon dioxide from the blood mayinclude lowering and/or maintaining the amount of carbon dioxide in thepatient (and/or in the blood) to a measurement in the range of 35 to 60Millimeters of Mercury (mmHg), and preferably to 35 to 45 mmHg. In someembodiments, venting the carbon dioxide from the blood may includelowering and/or maintaining the amount of carbon dioxide in the patient(and/or in the blood) to other suitable ranges, such as 35 to 100 mmHg,40 to 100 mmHg, 45 to 100 mmHg, 50 to 100 mmHg, 55 to 100 mmHg, 60 to100 mmHg, 65 to 100 mmHg, 70 to 100 mmHg, 75 to 100 mmHg, 80 to 100mmHg, 85 to 100 mmHg, 90 to 100 mmHg, 95 to 100 mmHg, 35 to 95 mmHg, 35to 90 mmHg, 35 to 85 mmHg, 35 to 80 mmHg, 35 to 75 mmHg, 35 to 70 mmHg,35 to 65 mmHg, 35 to 55 mmHg, 35 to 50 mmHg, 40 to 60 mmHg, 45 to 60mmHg, 50 to 60 mmHg, 55 to 60 mmHg, or any other range between 35 to 100mmHg. In some embodiments, venting the carbon dioxide from the blood mayinclude lowering and/or maintaining the amount of carbon dioxide in thepatient (and/or in the blood) to any measurement below 150 mmHg, anymeasurement below 140 mmHg, any measurement below 130 mmHg, anymeasurement below 120 mmHg, any measurement below 110 mmHg, anymeasurement below 100 mmHg, any measurement below 95 mmHg, anymeasurement below 90 mmHg, any measurement below 85 mmHg, anymeasurement below 80 mmHg, any measurement below 75 mmHg, anymeasurement below 70 mmHg, any measurement below 65 mmHg, anymeasurement below 60 mmHg, any measurement below 55 mmHg, anymeasurement below 50 mmHg, any measurement below 45 mmHg, or anymeasurement below 40 mmHg. Blood can flow through venting system 108 atany suitable rate, including in the range of 4-7 liters per minute.

In some embodiments, a measurement of the amount of carbon dioxide inthe patient (and/or in the blood) may be taken in any suitable mannerknown in the medical field such as blood analyzers, gas analyzers, andliquid analyzers. As an example, the measurement may be taken based onair breathed out or expelled by the patient into equipment configured tomeasure carbon dioxide.

Like the other components of the path, venting system 108 can be locatedanywhere within the path, in a separate path (e.g., loop) branched offof the path such that a portion of the blood flowing in the path isbranched to venting system 108, or omitted from the path. Venting system108 could also have one or more apparatuses within it to heat the bloodto any of the ranges set forth above. For example, it might have heatedtubing of one of the types discussed herein. Venting system 108 may alsoinclude one or more pumps. Venting system 108 could also have a way toheat the filter such that blood is heated while it is filtered. It isalso possible to have multiple venting systems either within the path orcoupled to the path. Where multiple venting systems are used, they couldbe coupled to the path in the same location or in multiple locations andcould form one loop or a separate loop.

In some embodiments, venting system 108 can be used to facilitatetreatment of patients undergoing various procedures, includingchemotherapy. Venting system 108, e.g., can remove carbon dioxide fromthe blood that could otherwise harm or kill a patient undergoing suchprocedures.

According to the illustrated embodiment, system 100 may include heatexchanger 110. In some embodiments, heat exchanger 110 may be configuredto heat the blood removed and returned to patient 102. For example, heatexchanger 110 may be configured to heat the blood to a temperature thatraises and/or maintains (or helps raise and/or maintain) the coretemperature of all, or substantially all, of the patient's body to (orat) the above-discussed temperature ranges or temperatures (e.g., arange of 42 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, and more preferably 42.5-43.8degrees Celsius). In some embodiments, this may cause the blood to beheated to between 43 and 44 degrees Celsius, to between 42 to 43.9degrees Celsius, or to any of the above-discussed temperature ranges ortemperatures.

Any of the above discussed temperature ranges, times, flow rates,average flow rates, etc. can be used in combination with one anotherwithout departing from the scope of the invention.

Heat exchanger 110 may utilize any suitable technique for heating blood.As an example, exchanger 110 may cause the blood to pass through tubesin contact with heated water that has been heated by heat source 112.Heat source 112 may control the water temperature and cause the heatedwater to flow from a reservoir (e.g., between 1 and 200 gallons insize), across or counter currently, around the tubes in the heatexchanger that carry the blood at rate in the range, e.g., of 1 literper minute to 250 gallons per minute. Such a reservoir may be part ofheat source 112 in various embodiments. The heated water, in someembodiments, may be heated to any temperature suitable for heating theblood to a temperature that raises and/or maintains (or helps raiseand/or maintain) the core temperature of all, or substantially all, ofthe patient's body to (or at) the above-discussed temperature ranges ortemperatures (e.g., a range of 42 to 43.9 degrees Celsius). Thus, theheat exchanger 110 could use heated water heated to any of the abovetemperatures or temperature ranges to which or within which it isdesired to heat the blood. Heat exchanger 110 and/or heat source 112 mayuse a gas or a liquid of any suitable type as a medium for carrying heatthat will be used to heat blood. The higher the viscosity of the fluid,or the higher the density of the fluid, the greater and faster the heattransfer occurs in various embodiments. Higher flow rates of the fluidwill also increase the heat exchanged with the blood. While heating theblood to the desired temperature, the temperature of the fluid incontact with the heat exchanger can be configured, in some embodiments,to not exceed 43.2 degrees Celsius (or to not exceed any of theabove-discussed temperature ranges or temperatures). In someembodiments, using flow rates of the fluid in the range of 1, 2, 4, 7,9, or 10 gallons per minute (or higher such as 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 150,or 250 gallons per minute) can facilitate heat exchange such that bloodcan be heated to a temperature above 42 degrees Celsius but below 43degrees Celsius in a suitable and/or advantageous amount of time withoutheating the fluid above 43.2 degrees Celsius. Heat exchanger 110 can useany suitable form of heating elements to transfer heat from the gas orliquid to the blood, such as: stainless steel tubes, plates, and pleatedsteel plates. Examples of heat exchanger 110 are described further inFIGS. 3-4. In some embodiments, heat exchanger 110 and/or heat source112 can be controlled automatically to facilitate the appropriateheating of the blood using one or more of temperature probes 118 a-1and/or heat-sensing cameras as discussed herein. For example, heatexchanger 110 and/or heat source 112 can be controlled to be set at 42.8or 42.9 degrees Celsius; in various embodiments other suitabletemperatures may be used such as those in the range of 41 to 45 degreesCelsius, or to be set to achieve heating of the blood within any of thetemperature ranges or temperatures set forth above. As another example,heat exchanger 110 and/or heat source 112 can be controlled to be setbetween 42 and 43.9 degrees Celsius, or any of the above-discussedtemperature ranges or temperatures. Temperature sensors can be placed,for example, within a water tank that supplies water to heat exchanger110, within the tubing of heat exchanger 110 where the water flows, orwithin tubing of heat exchanger 110 where the blood flows. Electroniccircuitry can control the temperature in response to the sensedtemperature. The heat exchanger 110 does not necessarily need to useliquids or gases to heat the blood. Heating elements could heat tubeswhere blood is flowing using conduction or convection.

In some embodiments, heat exchanger 110 may be configured to heat theblood throughout all, or substantially all, of the procedure. Forexample, heat exchanger 110 may heat the blood while the coretemperature of the patient's body is raised to the above-discussedtemperature ranges or temperatures (e.g., 20 minutes to 1 hour, or anyof the above-discussed time ranges) and while the temperature of thepatient's body is maintained within one or more of the above-discussedtemperature ranges or temperatures (e.g., 15 minutes to 6 hours, or anyof the above-discussed time ranges). In some embodiments, heating theblood throughout all, or substantially all, of the procedure may includeheating the blood throughout the entire duration of all, orsubstantially all, of the procedure, or throughout a substantial portionof all, or substantially all, of the procedure. For example, the heatexchanger may not heat (or may increase or decrease how much it heats)the blood for short periods during all, or substantially all, of theprocedure. However, the core temperature of the patient's body may beraised to and maintained at the above-discussed temperature ranges ortemperatures during all, or substantially all, of the procedure.

Although heat exchanger 110 is illustrated as being located in aparticular area of the path of system 100, in some embodiments, heatexchanger may be located in any area of the path. For example, heatexchanger 110 can be located in an area immediately before and/or afterpatient 102, immediately before and/or after pump 104, immediatelybefore and/or after toxin removal system 106, immediately before and/orafter venting system 108, immediately before and/or after oxygenator114, and/or immediately before and/or after reintroduction system 116.Heat exchanger 110 may include one or more pumps 104 to pump bloodand/or one or more pumps to pump water through tubes in the heatexchanger.

Furthermore, although system 100 is described above as including heatexchanger 110 and/or heat source 112, in some embodiments, system 100may alternatively (or additionally) include other components for heatingthe blood of the patient. For example, in some embodiments, some or allof the lines carrying the blood in the path of system 100 betweencomponents can be enclosed in one or more heated tubes. In such anexample, the line(s) carrying the blood can be enclosed in a tube thathas heated water (or other suitable liquid or gas) flowing across it.The tube can be heated to a temperature in the range of 42-43.9 degreesCelsius, or to any of the temperature ranges or temperatures discussedabove. A temperature probe can be used to verify that the water (orother suitable liquid or gas) used to heat the heated tube is not above43.2 degrees Celsius, or not above any of the temperature ranges ortemperatures discussed above. The water can be heated using heatexchanger 110 (and/or heat source 112) or a separate heat exchanger(and/or heat source), or both. Heated tubes may also be within any ofthe components of the path.

According to the illustrated embodiment, system 100 may includeoxygenator 114. In some embodiments, oxygenator 114 is configured tointroduce oxygen into the blood (and/or remove carbon dioxide from theblood). Oxygenator 114 can be implemented using a microporous membranemade of hollow fibers that are permeable to gas but impermeable toblood. In some embodiments, blood may flow on the outside of the hollowfibers, and oxygen may flow in an opposite direction on the inside ofthe fibers. For example, the oxygen may flow at a rate of 0.1 to 10liters per minute. This may allow the blood cells in the blood to absorboxygen molecules directly. The use of oxygenator 114 can be useful dueto, e.g.: pulmonary complications, cardiac de-compensation, a patient'sneed for oxygen to reduce the risk of damage above the amount that canbe administered by a ventilator (e.g., a patient with damaged lungs,such as one experiencing lung cancer, may need more oxygen), or otherconditions. The blood can be flowing through oxygenator 114 at speedsincluding 4-7 liters per minute (or any of the above-discussed bloodflow rates). The oxygenator can introduce between 0.2 to 5 liters perminute of oxygen into the blood (e.g., 1 liter per minute).Administration of oxygen may assist healthy cells and/or may facilitatekilling of unhealthy cells (e.g., cancer cells or other cellsdeleterious to the body). In some embodiments, an electromagnetic flowprobe can be placed on the return line distal to heat exchanger 110and/or oxygenator 114 to measure flow being delivered back to patient102 from the path. In some embodiments, oxygenator 114 can beincorporated into heat exchanger 110. Oxygenator 114 can be placedanywhere within the path, in a separate path (e.g., loop) branched offof the path such that a portion of the blood flowing in the path isbranched to oxygenator 114, or omitted from the path. It is alsopossible to have multiple oxygenators either within the path or coupledto the path. Where multiple oxygenators are used, they could be coupledto the path in the same location or in multiple locations and could formone loop or a separate loop.

In various embodiments, oxygenator 114 can be operating in differentmanners during some or all of the time that blood is being pumped from,and delivered to, patient 102. Oxygenator 114 may be configured to addoxygen and/or ozone (or a free radical or substance that reacts withsome other substance to form a free radical) at one rate during oneportion of the time that blood is being pumped from, and delivered to,patient 102 and at another rate during a different portion of that time.For example, during the first 90 minutes of heating the blood of patient102 as described above, oxygenator 114 can be configured to deliver 0.05liters per minute of oxygen to the blood. After those 90 minutes,oxygenator 114 can be configured to deliver 3 liters per minute ofoxygen to the blood for a desired length of time (e.g., and not by wayof limitation, up to 5 hours). Oxygenator 114 can be configured todeliver any suitable amount of oxygen during any suitable time periods.In various embodiments, oxygenator 114 can be configured to deliver, asan example, between 0.01 and 0.1 liters per minute of oxygen during afirst time period in the range of 30-120 minutes and 0.1-10 liters perminute of oxygen during a second time period in the range of 30-360minutes that occurs after the first time period. In some embodiments,delivering a greater amount of oxygen after a period of time wherein theblood of patient 102 is heated may facilitate the death of unhealthycells (e.g., causing reperfusion injury). In some embodiments, ventingsystem 108 may be used with oxygenator 114 or in place of oxygenator114; venting system 108 can be configured to deliver oxygen in the samevariety of manners as discussed above with respect to oxygenator 114.

According to the illustrated embodiment, system 100 may includereintroduction system 116. Reintroduction system 116 could be placedanywhere within the path, in a separate path (e.g., loop) branched offof the path such that a portion of the blood flowing in the path isbranched to reintroduction system 116, or omitted from the path. It isalso possible to have multiple reintroduction systems either within thepath or coupled to the path. Where multiple reintroduction systems areused, they could be coupled to the path in the same location or inmultiple locations and could form one loop or a separate loop.

In some embodiments, reintroduction system 116 may be used to introducechemicals or nutrients into the blood. As an example, suitablepharmaceuticals, vitamins (in liquid form), and/or nutritional elements(e.g., liquid food and/or glucose) may be introduced into the blood.Examples of suitable nutrients that may be introduced into the blood mayinclude total parenteral nutrition (TPN), total nutrient admixture(TNA), parenteral nutrient (PN), and/or peripheral parenteral nutrient(PPN). Other suitable chemical or nutrients that may be introduced intothe blood may include glucose, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, minerals,sodium, chloride, potassium, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, -balancedfluids, acid-balanced fluids, or any combination of the preceding. As anexample, plasma water can be introduced that includes one or more of thepreceding chemicals or nutrients. Administration of suchpharmaceuticals, vitamins, and/or nutritional elements may assisthealthy cells and/or may facilitate killing of unhealthy cells (e.g.,cancer cells or other cells deleterious to the body).

In some embodiments, reintroduction system 116 can monitor and adjustthe temperature of the substances introduced into the blood and/or thetemperature of the blood after the substances have been introduced. Thiscan benefit the patient by helping to reduce or increase the temperatureof the patient as desired (e.g., to prevent hypothermia orhyperthermia). For example, introducing fluids into the blood of thepatient may cause the patient's blood temperature to drop and negativelyaffect the patient. This can be avoided in some embodiments by thetechniques disclosed here involving heating the substances introduced tothe blood by reintroduction system 116. The temperature of thesubstances being introduced into the blood or the temperature of theblood after the substances have been introduced can be adjusted to arange of, e.g., 95 to 111 degrees Fahrenheit or 95.5 to 104.5 degreesFahrenheit. The temperature can be varied over time depending upon thedesired effect on the patient's temperature. For example, it may bedesirable to raise the patient's temperature to a range of 97-99 degreesFahrenheit during a first time period, and then maintain thattemperature during a second time period. In this example, reintroductionsystem 116 may be configured to adjust the temperature of the substancesbeing introduced into the patient's blood (and/or the temperature of theblood after the substances have been introduced) to a range between 100and 111 degrees Fahrenheit during the first time period. Further, inthis example, reintroduction system 116 may be configured to adjust thetemperature of the substances being introduced into the patient's blood(and/or the temperature of the blood after the substances have beenintroduced) to a range between 97-99 degrees Fahrenheit during thesecond time period. Reintroduction system 116 can include temperaturesensors (e.g., probes or thermometers) to monitor the temperature of thesubstances being introduced into the patient's blood and/or thetemperature of the blood after the substances have been introduced.Reintroduction system 116 can also include one or more componentsconfigured to heat the substances that will be introduced into thepatient's blood and/or heat the blood after the substances have beenintroduced; as examples, such components can include heating pads, waterbaths, hot air heaters, and oven-like heating enclosures. Reintroductionsystem 116 can also include components that can thermally insulate thesubstances that will be introduced into the patient's blood; asexamples, such insulative components can include blankets, thermalpackaging, and insulated tubing. Reintroduction system 116 can alsoinclude control circuits or electronics that can receive temperatureinformation regarding the substances that will be introduced into thepatient's blood and send control signals to the heating components tocontrol the temperature of these substances or the temperature of theblood after the substances have been introduced. Such control circuitsand/or electronics can include a suitable interface for a user tomonitor and adjust settings such as a display (which can include a touchscreen) and one or more input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, dials, andswitches).

Reintroduction system 116 may operate at any suitable rate, includingbetween 1.5 to 26 liters per hour. As examples, reintroduction system116 can operate at 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4,2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8,3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2,5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6,6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8, 8.1,8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6,9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 10, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9,11, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8, 11.9, 12, 12.1, 12.2,12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8, 12.9, 13, 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4,13.5, 13.6, 13.7, 13.8, 13.9, 14, 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.5, 14.6,14.7, 14.8, 14.9, 15, 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 15.5, 15.6, 15.7, 15.8,15.9, 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6, 16.7, 16.8, 16.9, 17,17.1, 17.2, 17.3, 17.4, 17.5, 17.6, 17.7, 17.8, 17.9, 18, 18.1, 18.2,18.3, 18.4, 18.5, 18.6, 18.7, 18.8, 18.9, 19, 19.1, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4,19.5, 19.6, 19.7, 19.8, 19.9, 20, 20.1, 20.2, 20.3, 20.4, 20.5, 20.6,20.7, 20.8, 20.9, 21, 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5, 21.6, 21.7, 21.8,21.9, 22, 22.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4, 22.5, 22.6, 22.7, 22.8, 22.9, 23,23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4, 23.5, 23.6, 23.7, 23.8, 23.9, 24, 24.1, 24.2,24.3, 24.4, 24.5, 24.6, 24.7, 24.8, 24.9, 25, 25.1, 25.2, 25.3, 25.4,25.5, 25.6, 25.7, 25.8, 25.9, and/or 26 liters per hour.

In some embodiments, the rate at which reintroduction system 116operates can be proportionate to, or otherwise chosen based on, the rateat which toxin removal system 106 is processing blood. For example,reintroduction system 116 may introduce substances into the blood at arate between 3 and 6 liters per hour if toxin removal system 106 isprocessing blood at a rate of 0.3 to 0.45 liters per minute. In thisexample, reintroduction system 116 may operate at a proportionallyfaster (or slower) rate if toxin removal system 106 is processing bloodfaster (or slower) than 0.3 to 0.45 liters per minute. As anotherexample, reintroduction system 116 may introduce substances into theblood at a rate between 15 and 18 liters per hour if toxin removalsystem 106 is processing blood at a rate of 0.9 to 1.35 liters perminute. Adjusting the rate at which reintroduction system 116 introducessubstances into the blood using the rate at which blood is beingprocessed by toxin removal system 106 can be beneficial. For example,the processing by toxin removal system 106 can remove plasma water fromthe blood; reintroduction system 116 can compensate for this at anappropriate rate given the rate at which blood is flowing through toxinremoval system 106. Reintroduction system 116 can also be configured tointroduce less substances than is being removed by toxin removal system106 (e.g., effectively removing plasma water at a rate of 100 mL perhour) to ameliorate a problem of too much fluid in a patient's body(such as edema). As another example, the processing by toxin removalsystem 106 can affect the pH balance of the blood negatively;reintroduction system 116 can compensate for this at an appropriate rategiven the rate at which blood is flowing through toxin removal system106.

In some embodiments, reintroduction system 116 may be composed of one ormore reintroduction modules. For example, a reintroduction module caninclude a suitable combination of one or more pumps (e.g., which can beimplemented using the teachings discussed herein with respect to pumps104), tubing, interfaces, valves, and locks. In some embodiments, one ormore aspects of reintroduction system 116 (e.g., one or morereintroduction modules) can be included in other aspects of system 100such as oxygenator 114, venting system 108, pump 104, and toxin removalsystem 106. Reintroduction system 116 may include one or more pumps 104and/or heated tubing or another apparatus for heating blood or otherfluids introduced by reintroduction system 116. Examples of suitabletemperatures that the material being introduced by reintroduction system116 are: 35, 35.5, 36, 36.5, 37, or 37.5 degrees Celsius. In someembodiments, external heating sources can be applied to patient 102 inconjunction with introducing material into the blood usingreintroduction system 116. For example, one or more water heatingblankets can be placed on patient 102 (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 blanketsmay be used). Such heating blankets can be in temperature range of,e.g., 40 to 43.5 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, reintroductionsystem 116 can be configured to provide such chemicals and/or nutrientsat rate that is less than, equal to, or greater than the rate at whichtoxin removal system 106 removes material from the blood of patient 102.Examples of rates at which reintroduction system 116 operates are withinthe range of 200 to 5000 milligrams per minute. Examples of the rates atwhich reintroduction system 116 operates in terms of volume includebetween 1 and 30 liters per hour (e.g., 8, 9, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,26, 27, 28, 29. and 30 liters per hour); note that the volumetric rateof reintroduction system 116 can be configured to correspond to the ratevolumetric removal rate of toxin removal system 106 (e.g., it can beconfigured to be the same as, nearly the same as, a suitable fractionof, or a suitable multiple of the volumetric removal rate of toxinremoval system 106). In some embodiments, reintroduction system 116 canbe configured to provide such chemicals and/or nutrients such that thepH level of the blood is directed towards a desirable range (e.g.,7.35+/−0.01). The pH level of a healthy human body is between a pH levelof 7.35 and 7.45. In the event that the pH level of a human body dropsto a pH level of 7, the person's health can deteriorate (e.g., such ashaving a heart attack). The same is true if the pH becomes very basicand goes beyond a pH level of 7.45. Thus, the use of reintroductionsystem 116 can help avoid these undesirable pH levels. Further, the useof reintroduction system 116 can help reduce or avoid the use ofalkaline injections to modify the patient's pH level.

In some embodiments, reintroduction system 116 can be used to introduceblood or platelets. Such blood can be selected so as to have a type andRH factor that matches the blood of patient 102 or O-negative blood canbe used. Platelets can be added, e.g., if platelet levels fall below50,000 platelets per microliter (or other suitable amount). Suchintroduction of blood can provide one or more benefits. As examples, itcan benefit: an anemic patient, a patient with a reduced amount ofhealthy blood (e.g., due to cancer or therapies), a patient whose bloodis traveling through other components of system 100 (e.g., oxygenator114, heat exchanger 110, and toxin removal system 106) by supplementingthe amount of blood available to the patient, system 100 by charging orpriming certain components (e.g., oxygenator 114, heat exchanger 110,and toxin removal system 106).

According to the illustrated embodiment, system 100 may include supportsystem 103. In some embodiments, support system 103 can be used tosedate patient 102 and can include a ventilator. Patient 102 may beinjected with 2 liters (or other suitable amount) of heated water orsaline water at 43.2 degrees Celsius (or with a heated range of 42-43.9degrees Celsius, or any of the above-discussed temperature ranges ortemperatures). This can be injected into the body via one or more veinsand/or arteries and can facilitate raising the core temperature of thebody. Support system 103 can be used to administer anesthesia (e.g.,sevoflurane) to patient 102. The anesthesia can be general anesthesia.The anesthesia can cause the hypothalamus to stop controlling (or reduceits capability to control, or substantially prevent its ability tocontrol) the temperature of the patient's body. As such, system 100 maybe used to raise the temperature of the patient's body withoutinterference from the hypothalamus, thereby allowing for an even (orsubstantially even) distribution of temperature throughout all, orsubstantially all, of the patient's body. Examples of the anesthesia mayinclude one or more barbiturates (e.g., sodium pentothal), hypnotics(e.g., propofol, ketamine, and etomidate), anesthetic gases (e.g.,isoflurane, sevoflurane, desflurane, nitrous oxide) and/or narcotics(e.g., fentanyl, alfentanil, sufentanil, meperedine, morphine,hydromorphone). The anesthesia may be administered in a sufficientmedically safe dosage to prevent or substantially prevent thehypothalamus from controlling the temperature of the patient's body, aswould be understood by an anesthesiologist. Additionally, one or morepreparations can be performed on the patient such as intubating thepatient and using a ventilator. Support system 103 can also be used toadminister other substances, such as medications. For example, edema(such as cerebral edema) can occur in patient 102 as a result oftreating (e.g., brain cancer) using system 100. Support system 103 canbe configured to administer medications to counteract bad effects ofedema; such medications include albumin (e.g., which can be used toprevent or reduce edema generally) and Mannitol (e.g., which can be usedto prevent or reduce cerebral edema).

If the patient is using a ventilator, heated air may be used in theventilator (e.g., air heated to between 42 and 43 degrees Celsius, orany of the above-discussed temperature ranges or temperatures to whichthe blood can be heated). For example, support system 103 can includemonitoring devices for monitoring vital signs or other aspects ofpatient 102 (e.g., blood pressure).

In some embodiments, support system 103, reintroduction system 116,oxygenator 114, and/or venting system 108 may be used to introduce onemore free radical or unstable substances that facilitate or increase theproduction of reactive oxygen species within the blood of patient 102.For example, such a substance could be an unstable substance such asozone that reacts with oxygen to form a free radical. Radiation therapycan be used along with or as an alternative to introducing suchsubstances to facilitate or increase the production of reactive oxygenspecies within the blood of patient 102. Reactive oxygen species may beutilized in killing cancer rapidly, along with or as an alternative toviruses or stem cells.

In some embodiments, introducing such substances or employing radiationto that facilitate or increase the production of reactive oxygen speciescan occur once or after the temperature of one or more aspects ofpatient 102 has reached a temperature of 42 degrees Celsius or higher(or above 42.1, 42.2, 42.3, 42.4, 42.5, 42.6, 42.7, 42.8, 42.9, 43,43.1, 43.2, 43.3, 43.4, 43.5, 43.6, 43.7, or 43.8 degrees Celsius); asanother example, adding the substance(s) can occur at any time duringthe procedure described herein. It is believed that any of the abovetechniques that increase the amount of reactive oxygen species duringthe procedure can facilitate the death of, or damage to, harmful cellssuch as cancer cells when those cells are under stress due to thetemperature at which the procedure is performed. The increased activityregarding reactive oxygen species can be sustained using substancesintroduced via support system 103 and/or reintroduction system 116 aswell as the heating of the blood of patient 102 by system 100. Examplesof such substances include: ozone, Freon, copper (e.g., copper ions),iron (e.g., iron ions), chemotherapeutic agents (such as alkylatingagents, anti-metabolites, anti-microtubule agents, topoisomeraseinhibitors, and cytotoxic antibiotics), iron, oxidized iron, an oxidizedmetallic substance, any suitable substance (including medicinal drugs)that includes, or promotes the development of, free radicals, or anysuitable substance (including medicinal drugs) that includes, orpromotes the development of unstable molecules (e.g., molecules that areprone to take electron(s) from other molecules) such as, for example,unstable molecules that cause the formation of free radicals. Thesesubstances, when in solid or liquid form, can be introduced into patient102 through a port, directly into a vein or artery with a syringe, usingsupport system 103, using reintroduction system 116, or other suitablemethod. In some embodiments, the use of substances that cause increasedactivity regarding reactive oxygen species (e.g., iron gluconate andchemotherapeutic agents) in system 100 can cause greater beneficialeffects than if such substances were to be used without system 100. Forexample, the heating treatment provided for by system 100 can enhancethe effect of such substances (e.g., the rate at which such substancescause increased activity regarding reactive oxygen species can begreater when used within system 100).

For example, an iron preparation (e.g., one or more of iron sucrose,iron gluconate, and iron dextran) can be administered intravenouslyduring a suitable number of hours (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or more hours). Apreparation of FERRLECIT can be administered in a dose of, e.g., 30milligrams at time and a total of, e.g., 500 milligrams during thecourse of the procedure in various embodiments. As another example, apreparation of FERRLECIT can be administered in a dose of, e.g., 60milligrams at time and a total of, e.g., 500 milligrams during thecourse of the procedure. As another example, a preparation of FERRLECITcan be administered in a dose of, e.g., 125 milligrams one hour into theprocedure and a total of, e.g., 500 milligrams during the course of theprocedure. In various embodiments, iron preparations can be administeredsuch that a total of between 60 and 5,000 milligrams is administeredduring the procedure; as examples, a total amount of 100, 200, 300, 400,500, 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1,000 milligrams of an iron preparation maybe administered to the patient during the procedure. The ironpreparation can be introduced in any suitable manner, including, but notlimited to, using an intravenous drip or injections. For example, 100,200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1,000, or more milligrams of theiron preparation can be administered in a suitable time frame (e.g.,3-20 minutes) using an intravenous drip.

In some embodiments, it is believed that the introduction of one morefree radical or unstable substances into the blood of patient 102 canfacilitate excessive levels of reactive oxygen species. For example, ifozone is introduced into the blood, it can react with oxygen in theblood and release one or more electrons from one or more of itsmolecules. Such molecules may become unstable and seek one or moreelectrons from other molecules. These other molecules can includemolecules in harmful cells such as cancer cells. In some situations, theelectron(s) are more likely to come from harmful cells (e.g., cancercells) because of the temperature of patient 102 being raised to, e.g.,42 degrees Celsius or higher. The molecules in harmful cells that havegiven up electron(s) will seek it from other molecules, and a likelysource of such electrons is other molecules in the same harmful cell. Asthis process of taking electrons from other molecules within harmfulcells repeats itself, the harmful cells become damaged and this damagecan, in some embodiments, facilitate their death. Note that, in variousembodiments, ozone and other free radical or unstable substances canoperate in different manners than the preceding description tofacilitate or increase the production of reactive oxygen species, and,in turn, to facilitate the damage or death of cancer cells.

As another example, it is believed that elemental iron can facilitategeneration of hydroxyl by, e.g., facilitating transfer of electronsbetween molecules in the blood of a patient. In some embodiments,elemental iron can also facilitate transfer of electrons by takingelectrons from other molecules to facilitate an increase in reactiveoxygen species in the blood of a patient. Note that, in variousembodiments, iron and other substances can operate in different mannersthan the preceding description to facilitate or increase the productionof reactive oxygen species, and, in turn, to facilitate the damage ordeath of cancer cells.

In various embodiments, the amount of free radical or unstablesubstance(s) that facilitate or increase the production of reactiveoxygen species within the blood of patient 102 introduced to patient 102can be varied depending on the substance(s) used, condition(s) orcharacteristics of patient 102, the amount of time the blood of patient102 has been heated, absorption rates, and the amount of time desiredfor administering the substance(s). Other suitable factors may also betaken into account. The amount of substance(s) to be added can bedetermined, in some embodiments, by seeking an amount that will causedamage or death to harmful cells (such as cancer cells) but not tohealthy cells (or an amount that will cause damage or death to healthycells up to an acceptable amount). For example, 0.1 to 1.25 (e.g., 0.45)grams of ozone may be introduced to patient 102 using diffusion (e.g.,this can be implemented using oxygenator 114 and/or venting system 108).Other pharmacologically effective amounts may be used. This dosage canbe applied at one or more times during the procedure. In someembodiments, a suitable dosage of ozone at can be: any amount below 0.1grams, any amount below 0.2 grams, any amount below 0.3 grams, anyamount below 0.4 grams, any amount below 0.5 grams, any amount below 0.6grams, any amount below 0.7 grams, any amount below 0.8 grams, anyamount below 0.9 grams, any amount below 1.0 grams, any amount below 1.1grams, any amount below 1.2 grams, or any amount below 1.3 grams.

In some embodiments, one or more of free radical substances, unstablesubstances, or chemotherapeutic agents can be introduced to facilitateor increase the production of reactive oxygen species within the bloodof patient 102. For example, ozone and iron (e.g., iron ions such asiron(II) or iron(III)) or ozone and copper (e.g., copper ions such ascopper(I) or copper(II)) may be introduced into patient 102. Adding suchcombinations can result in the development of reactive oxygen species inthe blood of patient 102. For example, hydroxyl radicals can be producedin the blood of patient 102 as a result of adding a combination of ozoneand iron ions or ozone and copper ions. In various embodiments, othersuitable transition metals can be combined with free radical or unstablesubstances (e.g., ozone) to facilitate or increase the production ofreactive oxygen species within the blood of patient 102. More than twosubstances can be combined.

In some embodiments, system 100 can be used to increase theeffectiveness of other treatments. System 100 can be used to heat theblood of a patient and be used to administer other treatments in smallerdosages or for shorter periods of time than would otherwise be used ifthe blood were not heated to any of the temperature ranges disclosedherein with system 100. For example, chemotherapy dosages can be reducedand/or given for a shorter period of time (e.g., instead of givingchemotherapy treatments for weeks it can be given for hours or days)when used within system 100 or along with system 100 due to, e.g.,system 100 heating the blood of a patient to any of the temperatureranges disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, system 100 can provide precise temperature control.System 100 can use the following six temperature probe locations toobtain an average core body temperature: rectal, esophagus, bi-lateralauditory canal, bladder, and pulmonary artery blood. In someembodiments, system 100 may utilize different temperature probelocations (e.g., stomach, etc.), less than six temperature probelocations (e.g., only one location), and/or more than six temperatureprobe locations (e.g., eight locations). System 100 can also useadditional temperature monitoring and control techniques. For example,system 100 can precisely measure brain temperature. System 100 mayutilize multiple infrared cameras that monitor the brain duringoperation; as an example, three cameras can be measuring three points onthe head of the patient (e.g., neck, eyes, ears, face, etc.). System 100can use any other alternative or additional means known in the medicalfield for precisely monitoring the brain temperature. Using suchtechniques, system 100 can monitor the brain temperature to withinone-tenth of one degree Celsius (as an example). This can enhancepatient safety. As an example, temperature probes 118 a-1 can beaccurate to within one-tenth or one-hundredth of one degree Celsius andsuch temperature probes can be used in the esophagus, bladder, rectum,tympanic membrane(s), femoral venus catheter/cannula, and femoralsuperior vena cava cannula/catheter. Examples of other suitablelocations for temperature probes 118 a-1 are illustrated in FIG. 1 andinclude: heat source 112, heat exchanger 110 (prior to entry of blood),heat exchanger 110 (at exit of blood), at or near where the heated bloodenters patient 102, at or near where the blood exits patient 102, on awater-heated blanket, at or near where blood enters toxin removal system106, and at or near where blood exits toxin removal system 106. System100 can use infrared cameras, or other suitable devices, pointed to thecentral body as well the bottom of a patient's foot. Using one or moreof these techniques, system 100 can precisely monitor body temperature.

In some embodiments, the techniques disclosed herein, including the useof temperature probes 118 a-1, may allow for maintaining the body to aprecise, desired temperature (e.g., between 42 and 43.9 degrees Celsius,or any of the above-discussed temperature ranges or temperatures) aswell as precisely measuring the core body temperature and monitoring thepatient's brain temperature during all, or substantially all, of theoperation of system 100. Consistent temperature distribution over all,or substantially all, of the body (including cancer cells in all, orsubstantially all, of the body) can be facilitated. Such precision ofmeasurements and of monitoring can lead to: precisely determiningwhether the core body temperature is at the desired temperature,determining the length of time taken to achieve the desired core bodytemperature, precisely monitoring the temperature that the blood andcells are being raised to throughout the procedure, and preciselymonitoring the amount of time the blood and cells are being kept at thedesired temperature. This can allow for increasing or maximizing theeffectiveness of the treatment and avoid adverse effects ofhyperthermia.

In some embodiments, one or more of the temperature probes 118 a-1 (orother temperature measurement devices) may communicate with a heatcontrol system (not shown). The heat control system may be configured toincrease or decrease the temperature of one or more heating componentsof system 100. For example, heat control system may increase or decreasethe temperature of heat source 112, heat exchanger 110, one or moreheated tubes, or any other heating components. The heat control systemmay control all (or two or more) of the heating componentssimultaneously, or may control each of the components separately. Forexample, the heat control system may decrease the temperature of theheat source 112 and all of the heated tubes simultaneously, or the heatcontrol system may turn off the heat source 112 while keeping one ormore of the heated tubes at the same temperature.

In some embodiments, one or more aspects of system 100 and/or patient102 can be placed in a room that is at a temperature above, e.g., 77-85degrees Fahrenheit. This can reduce the difference in temperaturebetween patient 102 and the air temperature in the room. In someembodiments, this can result in patient 102 having its core temperatureheat up faster.

The following are examples of operating configurations of system 100.These examples are not limiting to the present disclosure; rather, theyserve to present the teachings discussed herein in another format to aidin understanding the teachings of the present disclosure. One exampleconfiguration is: blood may be pumped in the path at a rate between 4and 7 liters per minute; convection dialysis at a rate between 0.6 and 2liters per minute may be performed on the blood; blood may flow througha venting system that includes a membrane to remove carbon dioxide from,and/or add oxygen to, the blood; the blood may be heated to atemperature between 42 and 43.2 degrees Celsius for 1-3 hours and thento 35-37.5 degrees Celsius after the induction of hyperthermia iscomplete; 6.5-26 liters per hour of electrolyte-balanced andacid-balanced fluids may be added to the blood

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the system 100without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, one ormore of the support system 103, pump 104, toxin removal system 106,venting system 108, heat exchanger 110, heat source 112, oxygenator 114,and reintroduction system 116 may be optional in system 100. In such anexample, system 100 may not include oxygenator 114, and/or one or moreof the other components illustrated in FIG. 1 or described above. Asanother example, the components of system 100 may be re-arranged in anymanner in system 100. In such an example, the toxin removal system 106may be located immediately before patient 102, or at any other location.Additionally, one or more of the support system 103, pump 104, toxinremoval system 106, venting system 108, heat exchanger 110, heat source112, oxygenator 114, and reintroduction system 116 may be integrated orseparated. For example, the heat exchanger 110 and the oxygenator 114may be the same component. As another example, the reintroduction system116 may be two separate components. Moreover, the operations of thesystem 100 may be performed by more, fewer, or other components.Furthermore, a single device could perform the operations of two or moreof the components of system 100. For example, a single device mayperform the operations of each of the support system 103, pump 104,toxin removal system 106, venting system 108, heat exchanger 110, heatsource 112, oxygenator 114, and reintroduction system 116.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a method for inducing hyperthermia.In some embodiments, one or more steps of method 200 may be performedusing one or more components of FIG. 1.

At step 202, in some embodiments, anesthesia (e.g., any of theanesthesia discussed above in FIG. 1) is administered to the patient(e.g., using support system 103 of FIG. 1). The patient can be preparedand draped in a sterile manner for the procedure. The anesthesia can begeneral anesthesia. The anesthesia can cause the hypothalamus to stopcontrolling (or substantially reduce its capability to control) thetemperature of the patient's body, as is discussed above with regard toFIG. 1. One or more preparations can be performed on the patient such asintubating the patient and using a ventilator.

At step 204, in some embodiments, the patient may be covered by aninsulating material. For example, water-heated blankets (e.g., includingwater heated to between 42 and 43.2 degrees Celsius, or to any of thetemperature ranges or temperatures discussed above) and/orheat-insulating (and/or reflecting) foil can be situated on the patient.This can assist in preventing heat loss from the patient. (The blanketscould be treated by another method as well.)

At step 206, in some embodiments, an anticoagulant is administered(e.g., using support system 103). For example, 10,000 units of sodiumheparin can be administered intravenously. After 3 minutes ofcirculation time, an activated clotting time (ACT) can be determined todetermine the adequacy of anticoagulation. This step can be performedthroughout the procedure. ACTs can be maintained at between 200 and 300seconds for the procedure and can be measured at, e.g., 30-minuteincrements. Additional heparin can be given as needed. In addition to oras an alternative, at this step, heated water (or heated blood) may beadministered to the patient's bloodstream (e.g., two liters of water orblood heated to 42.9 degrees Celsius, or to any of the above-discussedtemperature ranges or temperatures). This can promote hydration, fasterheating of the core body temperature, and may act as an anticoagulant.

At step 208, in some embodiments, a catheter or cannula is placed intothe patient's femoral vein. A standard French Femoral vena catheter orcannula (common size 22) can be used. The catheter/cannula can withdrawblood from the inferior vena cava while in a position 10 or more inchesinto the vein toward the heart. As another example, an Avalon doubleLumen catheter/cannula can be inserted into the right jugular vein as asingle catheter/cannula technique to both extract blood from the patientand return heated blood. In some embodiments, more than one vein (or oneor more arteries, or both) can be used. In some embodiment, a differentvein (or veins) may be used. Blood taken from the multiple veins iscombined in the path. In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to usetwo or more veins (or arteries, or a combination) combined into onestream going into the pump. This can facilitate, in various embodiments,flow rates of, e.g., 4-7 liters per minute (or any of the flow ratesranges discussed above) of blood flow during the procedure. Any of theabove options for blood vessels and/or arteries can be used that werediscussed in connection with FIG. 1.

At step 208, in some embodiments, an arterial cannula/catheter is placedinto the right internal jugular vein. It can be advanced into the lowerportion of the superior vena cava. In some embodiments, more than onevein (or one or more arteries, or both) can be used. In some embodiment,a different vein (or veins) may be used. Catheter and cannula sizes canbe determined by patient weight and blood flow requirements or desires.Ranges for these sizes can include: 18, 20, 22 and 24 French sizes forthe venous catheter; and 18, 20 and 22 French sizes for the arterialcannula/catheter. Blood can be returned into a vein, such as the jugularvein.

At step 210, in some embodiments, the path can be primed and de-bubbledusing a physiologic crystalloid fluid. This can be done, for example,while the cannulas/catheters are being placed. The path is thenconnected to the cannula and/or the catheter.

At step 212, in some embodiments, blood is drawn from the catheter by acentrifugal pump (or any other suitable pump(s)) into a heat exchanger(that may also oxygenate the blood) at approximately 4-7 liters perminute, or any of the flow rate ranges discussed above (e.g., this canbe performed by pump 104, heat exchanger 110, and/or oxygenator 114 ofFIG. 1). The blood flows through the heat exchanger and is heated to,e.g., 42.9 degrees Celsius (or any of the temperature ranges ortemperatures discussed above). Tubes carrying the blood come intocontact with heated water that has been heated by a temperature controlunit (e.g., heat source 112 of FIG. 1). The temperature control unitcontrols the water temperature and causes heated water to flow, acrossor counter currently, around the tubes in the heat exchanger that carrythe blood. The heated water, in some embodiments, does not exceed 43.2degrees Celsius (or one or more of the temperature ranges ortemperatures discussed above). Any of the above options for the heatexchanger (or alternatives to the heat exchanger) discussed inconnection with FIG. 1 can be used.

At step 214, in some embodiments, the heated blood is sent back into thebody via the patient's right internal Jugular vein using a cannula. Forexample, a standard French percutaneous femoral arterial cannula can beused. The heated blood can go into the right side of the upper heart(the atrium) where it is pumped and dispersed through and into the bodyat a speed of approximately 4-7 liters per minute (or any of the flowrate ranges discussed above). In some embodiments, more than one vein(or one or more arteries, or both) can be used. In some embodiment, adifferent vein (or veins) may be used. In some embodiments, medicationscan be used to constrict veins and/or arteries to assist in keeping theheart beating consistently (e.g., using support system 103 of FIG. 1).

At step 216, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the heated bloodis sent into the toxin removal system (e.g., a convection dialysisprocess implemented using toxin removal system 106 of FIG. 1). Forexample, a slip stream of blood (heated or not) is diverted fromentering into the body into the toxin removal system. This can be doneat a flow rate of, e.g., 0.2 to 4.5 liters per minute (e.g., 0.9 litersper minute) or any other flow rate (such as the flow rate rangesdiscussed above in connection with the toxin removal system 106 of FIG.1). After having toxins removed, this blood can be sent back to join theportion of the blood that was not diverted into the toxin removalsystem, as illustrated in FIG. 1. As another example, all of the heatedblood can be sent into the toxin removal system (e.g., using one or morepumps 104).

Toxins and pro inflammatory mediators can be removed in this step.Removed toxins can be sent to a waste collection site where they can bediscarded. Plasma water containing the toxins can pass through a filtermedium into the waste collection site. Downstream of the filter medium,removed plasma that is electrolyte- and acid-balanced may be put backinto the system prior to entering the body. Either after the filtrationor elsewhere in the path, one or more of the following may be added:bicarbonates, potassium, sodium, chloride, glucose, calcium,phosphorous, and magnesium. Other suitable things can be added.

The toxin removal system can use a 50,000 or 60,000 Dalton cut-offfilter or larger. Fluid replacement can occur with a bicarb-based,electrolyte-balanced solution. This can help maintain a zero-balanced,convective toxin clearance therapy. Ultrafiltration rates (the amount ofplasma water removed from the blood) can range between 2 liters and 10liters per hour and blood flow rates in the toxin removal system can bemaintained at about 1 liter per minute (or any of the flow ratesdiscussed above in connection with the toxin removal system 106 of FIG.1). As an example, 2 to 10 liters per hour of ultrafiltration cantranslate to between 25 and 110 mL per kilogram per hour. The toxinremoval system can be continued after the circulation is complete via adialysis catheter placed in the right internal jugular or femoral vein(or any other vein(s) or arter(ies)). In some embodiments, this canassist in maintaining homeostasis and remove inflammatory mediators andother toxins that result from cell death.

At step 218, in some embodiments, the heating unit can be turned off.This can occur after total body hyperthermia has been achieved andmaintained for two hours or, e.g., up to six hours or more. In someembodiments, this can occur after total body hyperthermia has beenachieved and maintained for a duration in any other range, such as 15minutes to 2 hours, 15 minutes to 3 hours, 15 minutes to 4 hours, 15minutes to 5 hours, 15 minutes to 7 hours, 1 hour to 2 hours, 1 hour to3 hours, 1 hour to 4 hours, 1 hour to 5 hours, 1 hour to 6 hours, 2hours to 3 hours, 2 hours to 4 hours, 2 hours to 5 hours, 2 hours to 6hours, 3 hours to 4 hours, 3 hours to 5 hours, 3 hours to 6 hours, orany other range. The patient's temperature can be allowed to drift tonormal temperature levels. The patient can then be separated from thepath. The cannulas can then be removed and vascular repairs can beperformed.

At step 220, in some embodiments, dialysis (convection and/or diffusion)and/or any other toxin removal procedure can be performed (e.g., usingtoxin removal system 106 of FIG. 1) for a period of time after theinduced hyperthermia is completed. This can assist in removing toxins ordead tissue. In various embodiments, the period of time can range from15 minutes to 48 hours after the induced hyperthermia is completed. Insome embodiments, other periods of time may be used, such as 1 to 12hours, 5 to 12 hours, 10 to 12 hours, 1 to 24 hours, 5 to 24 hours, 10to 24 hours, 12 to 24 hours, 1 to 48 hours, 5 to 48 hours, 10 to 48hours, 24 hours to 48 hours, 1 to 72 hours, 5 to 72 hours, 10 to 72hours, 24 to 72 hours, 48 to 72 hours, or any other time period. Thiscan promote safety for the patient and can facilitate complete or nearlycomplete removal of pro inflammatory mediators or toxins. In someembodiments, the toxin removal system uses a pressure gradient to forceplasma water that contains the toxins and other undesirable inflammatorymediators through the filter medium and into a waste container, whilesimultaneously or nearly simultaneously, plasma water that iselectrolyte- and acid-balanced, is returned to the blood. Before theblood re-enters the body, it may be treated with heat, oxygen, andventing to maintain suitable carbon dioxide levels. After the inducedhyperthermia portion of the procedure is complete, the rate at whichblood is removed and reintroduced to the body may be reduced to between1 and 5 liters per minute. In some embodiments, the rate may be reducedto any other range of flow rates, such as 1 to 4 liters per minute, 1 to3 liters per minute, 1 to 2 liters per minute, 2 to 5 liters per minute,2 to 4 liters per minute, 2 to 3 liters per minute, or any other flowrate range. Fluids at approximately normal body temperatures (such assaline and water) may be given to the patient after the inducedhyperthermia portion of the procedure has been completed. In someembodiments, fluid that is electrolyte- and acid-balanced (e.g., plasmawater) can be added to the blood after the induced hyperthermia portionof the procedure has been completed; this fluid can be heated orpreheated to a suitable temperature (e.g., 34, 35, 36, 37.5 degreesCelsius). This can, in some embodiments, reduce or prevent the chance ofhypothermia.

Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular steps ofthe method of FIG. 2 as occurring in a particular order, this disclosurecontemplates any suitable steps of the method of FIG. 2 occurring in anysuitable order. For example, the blood of the patient can be sent to thetoxin removal system any time after it is removed from the patient(e.g., before it is heated, before it is oxygenated, before it isvented, etc.). As other example, the blood may be vented, heated,oxygenated, pumped, and/or sent for fluid replacement any time after theblood is removed from the patient. Some embodiments may repeat the stepsof FIG. 2, where appropriate. For example, blood may be sent to toxinclearance more than once, vented more than once, heated more than once,oxygenated more than once, pumped more than once, and/or sent for fluidreplacement more than once. Some embodiments may not include one or moreof the steps of FIG. 2. For example, one or more of oxygenation, toxinclearance, venting, and/or fluid replacement may be optional.Furthermore, although this disclosure describes and illustratesparticular components, devices, or systems carrying out particular stepsof the method of FIGS. 2, this disclosure contemplates any suitablecombination of any suitable components, devices, or systems carrying outany suitable steps of any of the method of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of heat exchanger 300. This is anexample of an implementation of heat exchanger 110 of FIG. 1. Heatexchanger 300 comprises port 302 for blood to enter heat exchanger 300and port 304 for the heated fluid (which can, e.g., come from areservoir of 1-200 gallons in size). Heat exchanger 300 also includesexternal chamber 306 for holding the heated fluid and internal chamber308 for holding the blood. As blood passes through internal chamber 308it is heated through the heat radiating from external chamber 306.Chambers 306 and 308 prevent the blood from coming into physical contactwith the heated fluid. Port 310 is where blood exits heat exchanger 300and port 312 is where the heated fluid exits heat exchanger 300. Theheated fluid can be any suitable liquid or gas and can be pumped throughheat exchanger 300 at any suitable rate (e.g., at or above: 1 liter perminute, 5 liters per minute, 10 liters per minute, 0.5 gallons perminute, 1 gallon per minute, 5 gallons per minute, 10 gallons perminute, 15 gallons per minute, 30 gallons per minute, 50 gallons perminute, 100 gallons per minute, 150 gallons per minute, 200 gallons perminute, and/or 250 gallons per minute). Furthermore, the surface ofexternal chamber 306 may include any type of surface (e.g., a smoothwall) instead of (or in addition) to the jagged structure illustrated inFIG. 3. An irregular structure like the one illustrated may promote moreefficient heating.

Heat exchanger 300, as discussed above, may be controlled to maintainthe temperature of the water or gas circulating through external chamber306 within a temperature range (such as any of the temperature rangesdiscussed above for heating the blood). One or more temperature sensorsmay be present within a fluid bath or other chamber for heating thewater, fluid, or gas that flows through external chamber 306. One ormore temperature sensors may also be within internal chamber 308, on theoutside of external chamber 306, or anywhere that the temperaturecorrelates to or measures the temperature of the fluid or gascirculating through external chamber 306, the temperature within theheating chamber or fluid bath, or the temperature of the bloodcirculating through the heater. In addition, one or more of thetemperature sensors 118 a-1, as discussed above, could be used tocontrol the temperature of the heat source 112. Based upon the feedbackfrom one or more temperature sensors, heat source 112 can be controlledto become hotter or colder so as to maintain the blood within thedesired temperature range or at the desired temperature.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of an electrical heat exchanger 400.This is an example of an implementation of heat exchanger 110 of FIG. 1.Heat exchanger 400 comprises port 402 for blood to enter heat exchanger400. Heat exchanger 400 includes chamber 404 that also includes heatingelement 406. Blood passes through chamber 404 and it is heated usingheating element 406. Port 408 is where blood exits heat exchanger 400.Like the embodiment in FIG. 3, one or more temperature sensors can beused to control the temperature of the blood by controlling heatingelement 406. In addition to sensors 118 a-1, as discussed above, one ormore temperature sensors could be placed in the inlet to chamber 404,the outlet to chamber 404, downstream from the outlet, or at one or moreplaces within chamber 404.

FIG. 5 illustrates two embodiments of a manner of heating blood while itis in the path of system 100 of FIG. 1. These could be used inconjunction with or instead of heat exchanger 110. Where othercomponents such as pump 104, venting system 108, oxygenator 114, toxinremoval system 106 or reintroduction system 116 have the ability to heatthe blood to the desired temperature range or the desired temperature,both heat exchanger 110 and the heating system 500 could be omitted, orcould be used in conjunction with other heating means. Internal heatingsystem 500 uses electrical heating element 520 within tube 510 whichcarries the patient's blood. Tube 510 is configured to prevent the bloodfrom directly physically contacting electrical heating element 520.External heating system 550 uses electrical heating element 570 aroundtube 560 to heat blood carried in tube 560. Either or both of heatingsystems 500 and 550 can be used in conjunction with heat exchanger 110or instead of heat exchanger 110 of FIG. 1. The greater the surface areaof the heating element(s) exposed to the blood, the faster the bloodwill increase to the desired temperature. Internal heating system 500and external heating system 550 may be controlled in any manner known inthe medical field. As an example, internal heating system 500 andexternal heating system 550 may be controlled using the heat controlsystem discussed above (and/or heating probes 118 a-1 discussed above).The heat control system may control internal heating system 500 andexternal heating system 550 simultaneously (e.g., they both may becontrolled to increase or decrease their temperature together) orindividually (e.g., internal heating system 500 may remain at the sametemperature while external heating system 550 is turned off).

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of system 600 that can be analternative configuration of system 100 of FIG. 1 with multiple toxinremoval systems 606 and 608. Toxin removal systems 606 and 608 can beimplemented as modules, such as dialysis modules. Each module can beimplemented using any of the techniques discussed above with respect totoxin removal system 106 of FIG. 1. For example, each dialysis modulecan be implemented as a dialysis (convection or diffusion) machine.Blood from patient 602 is divided between pump 604 and toxin removalsystems 606 and 608 (e.g., implemented using convection dialysissystems). The blood after passing through toxin removal systems 606 and608 is combined with the blood passing through pump 604. This combinedblood stream then is heated and treated according to the path depictedin FIG. 1 and discussed above. In some embodiments, there can be morethan two toxin removal systems. Having more than one toxin removalsystem can be beneficial in various embodiments. For example, it canallow for a faster rate of blood filtration. This can lead to fasterrecuperation times for patient 602. It may also be beneficial to provideredundancy in the event of a failure of one of the toxin removal systemsduring a procedure. While two toxin removal systems are depicted in FIG.6, any suitable number of toxin removal systems can be used (e.g., 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 toxin removal systems) and connected in parallel in amanner similar to how toxin removal systems 606 and 608 are connected.In some embodiments, the number of toxin removal systems that can beconnected can be determined using a desired rate of treatment of theblood. For example, should it be desired to treat the blood at a higherrate, more toxin removal systems can be added. The multiple toxinremoval systems can be of the same type or different types (e.g., usingconvection or diffusion dialysis techniques). The rates of treating theblood that can be achieved by using multiple toxin removal systems canbe in the range of, e.g., 0.9-2.5 liters per minute.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of system 700 that can be used toimplement venting system 108 of FIG. 1. System 700 includes port 702through which blood enters system 700 and port 704 through which gasenters system 700. Blood flow 708 goes through system 700 and exitsthrough port 710. Gas flows into system 700 through port 704 and exitsthrough port 712. A fan driving a gas into a conduit or a conduitconnected to a compressed gas tank could be coupled to port 704 tointroduce the gas to port 704. Outlet 712 can vent to the atmosphere orto a system to dispose of gases. Membrane 706 separates the flow of gasfrom blood flow 708. Membrane 706 can be a hollow fiber membrane andblood flow 708 goes through the center of membrane 706 while gas flowsin a direction counter to the blood flow. Alternatively, the gas canflow through the inside of membrane 706 and blood flow 708 can occur onthe outside of membrane 706 in a direction counter to the gas flow.Membrane 706 can be implemented using flat membranes or extended surfacearea membranes that have been pleated or have otherwise used a method toutilize more membrane material in the filter element (e.g., folding).System 700 facilitates carbon dioxide to be vented from blood stream 708through membrane 706 and to exit port 712 using cross-flowmicrofiltration. Any suitable gas can be used such as nitrogen, oxygen,or air from the room in which the patient is located. Oxygen may bepreferable to use as it can void removing oxygen from the blood in someembodiments. In some embodiments, membrane 706 may be a material thatabsorbs carbon dioxide from the blood; for example, the material canexhibit adsorption such that the carbon dioxide is adsorbed onto achemical surface of membrane 706 due to a pressure gradient on thesurface of the chemical. System 700 can be included in-line with thepath of system 100 of FIG. 1 or as a branch off of the path.

In some embodiments, venting system 108 may have a heater within thestructure illustrated in FIG. 7, such as at the inlet or outlet or in aseparate chamber (not explicitly shown) located prior to the inlet orafter the outlet. Such a heater could be used to heat or aid in heatingthe blood to a temperature within any of the temperature ranges setforth above.

In some embodiments, venting the carbon dioxide from the blood mayinclude lowering and/or maintaining the amount of carbon dioxide in thepatient (and/or in the blood) to a measurement in the range of 35 to 60Millimeters of Mercury (mmHg), and preferably to 35 to 45 mmHg. In someembodiments, venting the carbon dioxide from the blood may includelowering and/or maintaining the amount of carbon dioxide in the patient(and/or in the blood) to other suitable ranges, such as 35 to 100 mmHg,40 to 100 mmHg, 45 to 100 mmHg, 50 to 100 mmHg, 55 to 100 mmHg, 60 to100 mmHg, 65 to 100 mmHg, 70 to 100 mmHg, 75 to 100 mmHg, 80 to 100mmHg, 85 to 100 mmHg, 90 to 100 mmHg, 95 to 100 mmHg, 35 to 95 mmHg, 35to 90 mmHg, 35 to 85 mmHg, 35 to 80 mmHg, 35 to 75 mmHg, 35 to 70 mmHg,35 to 65 mmHg, 35 to 55 mmHg, 35 to 50 mmHg, 40 to 60 mmHg, 45 to 60mmHg, 50 to 60 mmHg, 55 to 60 mmHg, or any other range between 35 to 100mmHg. In some embodiments, venting the carbon dioxide from the blood mayinclude lowering and/or maintaining the amount of carbon dioxide in thepatient (and/or in the blood) to any measurement below 150 mmHg, anymeasurement below 140 mmHg, any measurement below 130 mmHg, anymeasurement below 120 mmHg, any measurement below 110 mmHg, anymeasurement below 100 mmHg, any measurement below 95 mmHg, anymeasurement below 90 mmHg, any measurement below 85 mmHg, anymeasurement below 80 mmHg, any measurement below 75 mmHg, anymeasurement below 70 mmHg, any measurement below 65 mmHg, anymeasurement below 60 mmHg, any measurement below 55 mmHg, anymeasurement below 50 mmHg, any measurement below 45 mmHg, or anymeasurement below 40 mmHg.

In some embodiments, a measurement of the amount of carbon dioxide inthe patient (and/or in the blood) may be taken in any suitable mannerknown in the medical field. As an example, the measurement may be takenbased on air breathed out or expelled by the patient into equipmentconfigured to measure carbon dioxide. Blood analyzers can also be used,such as those provided by SIEMENS or ABBOTT.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of system 800 configured to inducehyperthermia in patient 102 without heating the blood in a path outsideof the body, or possibly in conjunction with a path having any of theoptions discussed above. System 800 has similar components as system 100of FIG. 1 except for the potential absence of heat exchanger 110 andheat source 112 in the path. In system 800, patient 102 is connected toheating system 120 as will be further discussed. In system 800, bloodflows from patient 102 through pump 104 and toxin removal system 106. Itthen passes through venting system 108 which can facilitate removal ofcarbon dioxide from the blood. The blood then goes through oxygenator114 and reintroduction system 116 before reentering patient 102.

Heating system 120 provides heat external to patient 102 in order toraise the temperature of patient 102. There are various manners in whichthis is accomplished and examples of such shall now be discussed. Insome embodiments, heating system 120 can be used to treat a patient thatis fully, or partially, submerged in water that is at a temperature of,e.g., 42.9 degrees Celsius (or at any of the temperature ranges ortemperatures discussed above). As examples, the patient can be submergedin the water naked, in a thin plastic suit (or other suitable materialsuch as semi-flexible steel, clay, or other conforming sheet), withtheir head submerged, protected, or not protected by a material toprevent water from entering into the body (e.g., via the mouth andnose). As another example, the full body can be in a tub or on a tablewith reinforced sides capable of holding water and the patient fullysubmerged in the water. Patient 102 can be connected to support system103 which can provide a ventilator, a monitoring system, an intravenoussystem, and other suitable systems to support the health of the patientwhile being partially or fully submerged during the induced hyperthermiaprocedure applied using system 800.

Using heating system 120, the water (or other suitable fluid) can bewarmed quickly to, e.g., 43.2 degrees Celsius; the water (or othersuitable fluid) can be heated to between 42-45 degrees Celsius (or toany of the temperature ranges or temperatures discussed above to whichthe body or blood can be heated) in some embodiments. The water can becirculated and this can, in some embodiments, facilitate even heatdistribution to the entire body, including the head. Other suitablefluids other than water can be used, such as other liquids or gases.Another suitable alternative is submerging the patient into a heated setof solid particles (e.g., sand, iron filings, gold powder, and mud). Asthe liquid or gas is flowed faster by heating system 120, the speed andefficiency of raising the core temperature of patient 102 is improved.Further, using a denser liquid can improve the speed and efficiency ofheating the core temperature of patient 102 in various embodiments. Asanother example, heating system 120 can use an electric heating coilwrapped around patient 102 (using suitable forms of protection) to applyheat to patient 102.

In some embodiments, the patient may be placed in a suit, bag, or tarp(or other suitable enclosure) that circulates a hot fluid (e.g., between41.8-45 degrees Celsius, or any of the temperature ranges ortemperatures discussed above to which the body or blood can be heated)across it using heating system 120; this can be used in addition to oras an alternative to submerging the patient in a hot medium. Heattransfer can be improved by using denser materials for the suit ordenser fluids for circulating within the suit.

In some embodiments, bags may be introduced into the stomach and throughthe rectum that circulate heated fluids (e.g., fluids heated to between42 and 43 degrees Celsius, or to any of the temperature ranges ortemperatures discussed above to which the body or blood can be heated)using heating system 120. In some embodiments, the various temperaturemeasuring techniques disclosed above can be utilized to maintain thewater (or other liquid) to a precise temperature (using heating system120) and to monitor the body temperature precisely during the procedure.One or more dialysis techniques (or other toxin removal techniques)disclosed herein (or known in the medical field) can be applied to thepatient via veins or arteries during the procedure or extended after theprocedure if required (e.g., using toxin removal system 106). This, insome embodiments, can be due to the amount of toxins created by the bodyduring the procedure.

In some embodiments, a patient undergoing treatment using system 100 or800 can be wrapped or covered with a heat-reflecting material. Forexample, aluminum foil or tin foil can be wrapped or placed on a patientto retain heat prior to putting on heating blanket. Heat radiating fromthe patient can thus be reflected back to promote heat retention. Ablanket with circulating heating water can be used. The water can beheated to between 42 and 43.2 degrees Celsius (or to any of thetemperature ranges or temperatures discussed above). The water can beheated using heating system 120. The water temperature can be varied insuitable manners.

For example, a patient may be wrapped in a sweat-absorbing covering(e.g., a sterile blanket). Both above and beneath the patient, one ormore heated blankets (such as water heated blankets) can be placedaround the patient. Heat reflecting material can be placed around theone or more heated blankets (e.g., sterile towels or other suitablematerial that reflect heat). An enclosure can be placed over the patientthat comprises heat reflective or insulative material (e.g., Styrofoam).The enclosure can include flaps that would go underneath the patient orunderneath the object supporting the patient (e.g., a platform, bed, ortable); the flaps can connect together and form a type of chamber. Warmair or other suitable gas can be introduced into the chamber.

Using one or more of the techniques discussed above, the body (eitherthe entire body, substantially the entire body, a majority of the body,or the core of the body) can be heated to a temperature of at least42.0, 42.1, 42.2, 42.3, 42.4, 42.5, 42.6, 42.7, 42.8, 42.9, 43.0, 43.1,43.2, 43.3, 43.4, 43.5, 43.6, 43.7, 43.8, or 43.9 degrees Celsius (or toany of the temperature ranges or temperatures discussed above) andmaintained there (within a suitable temperature range) eithercontinuously or intermittently for a period of 15 minutes or for aperiod of up to 6 hours. In some embodiments, the body can be maintainedat any of the temperature ranges or temperatures discussed above or forany other range of time, such as 15 minutes to 2 hours, 15 minutes to 3hours, 15 minutes to 4 hours, 15 minutes to 5 hours, 15 minutes to 7hours, 1 hour to 2 hours, 1 hour to 3 hours, 1 hour to 4 hours, 1 hourto 5 hours, 1 hour to 6 hours, 2 hours to 3 hours, 2 hours to 4 hours, 2hours to 5 hours, 2 hours to 6 hours, 3 hours to 4 hours, 3 hours to 5hours, 3 hours to 6 hours, or any other range. The techniques discussedabove, alone or in combination with each other and other techniques, mayfacilitate raising the core temperature of the patient faster thanwithout using such techniques (e.g., the patient's core body temperaturemay be raised to between 42 and 43 degrees Celsius five to ten minutesfaster or greater). The techniques discussed above with respect tosystem 800 can be used in combination with the techniques of system 100of FIG. 1. For example, patient 102 may have its blood heated in a path(as depicted in FIG. 1) while also being submersed in a heated liquid(as discussed above with respect to FIG. 8). Some or all of thetechniques discussed with respect to system 800 can be used, in variousembodiments, with system 100 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of inducing hyperthermia where patient902 is in enclosure 908 that is heated. For clarity, room 910 isillustrated in which the induced hyperthermia takes place. Blood frompatient 902 is sent to path 906 where it can be heated and/or treated asdiscussed above; path 906 can include one or more of the components ofthe path in system 100 of FIG. 1 and, in various embodiments, may be inenclosure 908. Patient 902 is connected to support system 904; supportsystem 904 can operate in the same manner as support system 103 of FIG.1 and, in various embodiments, may be in enclosure 908. Enclosure 908can be a room inside of room 910 or an enclosure within room 910.Enclosure 908 can be kept to a temperature up to, e.g., 43.2 degreesCelsius (or any of the temperature ranges or temperatures discussedabove). As an example, enclosure 908 can be kept at a temperature ofbetween 77 degrees and 110 degrees Fahrenheit (e.g., a temperature ofapproximately 108.5 degrees Fahrenheit). This high temperature ofenclosure 908 can be maintained during the induced hyperthermiaprocedure and brought down during a cool down period (e.g., after thepatient has been at a temperature of approximately 42.5 degrees Celsiusfor a period of approximately 2 hours, or after the patient has been atany of the temperature ranges or temperatures discussed above for any ofthe time ranges discussed above). At that point, enclosure 908 can beremoved or (e.g., when enclosure 908 is a room) will be cooled down to atemperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit for the cool down period of, e.g.,approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The patient's body temperature can thengo back to a normal or stable temperature (e.g., 98.6 degreesFahrenheit). The temperature of room 910 can be different than enclosure908; room 910 can include those assisting with the procedure and thedifferent temperature can be beneficial (e.g., for the comfort of thoseassisting with the procedure).

In some embodiments, system 900 can provide one or more benefits toinducing hyperthermia such as: providing the ability to heat thepatient's body faster by, e.g., reducing heat loss; and/or maintain theskin of the patient at a desired temperature so as to completely keepthe entire body (or substantially all of the entire body) at or near adesired temperature (e.g., 42.5 degrees Celsius, or any of thetemperature ranges or temperatures discussed above) including the skin.This can help treat various maladies, e.g., skin cancer. Use of such aroom or enclosure can facilitate temperature sensing during treatment ofthe patient. For example, infrared cameras used to detect temperaturecan have better accuracy of the body's entire temperature and or thebrain temperature when using such a room or enclosure. The techniques ofsystem 900 can be used in system 100 of FIG. 1 (i.e., a system thatheats the blood of a patient in a path) and/or in system 800 of FIG. 8(i.e., a system that heats the blood within the body of the patient).

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a method for treating bloodoutside of a body. In some embodiments, one or more steps of method 1000may be performed using one or more components of FIG. 1.

At step 1002, blood received in a blood path outside of a body iscirculated at a flow rate between 4-7 liters per minute. The blood maybe received from a body or from a stored source of blood. For example,the blood may be circulated at a flow rate between 4.1 and 7 liters perminute, between 4.2 and 7 liters per minute, between 4.3 and 7 litersper minute, between 4.4 and 7 liters per minute, between 4.5 and 7liters per minute, between 4.6 and 7 liters per minute, between 4.7 and7 liters per minute, between 4.8 and 7 liters per minute, between 4.9and 7 liters per minute, between 5 and 7 liters per minute, between 5.1and 7 liters per minute, between 5.5 and 7 liters per minute, between 6and 7 liters per minute, between 6.5 and 7 liters per minute, between 5and 6.5 liters per minute, between 5 and 6 liters per minute, between 5and 5.5 liters per minute, or any other range between 4-7 liters perminute. In addition, any of the flow rates discussed above can be used.In some embodiments, one or more pumps (such as pump 104 of FIG. 1) maybe used to circulate the blood at the flow rate. Furthermore, the bloodmay be received in the path as a result of being removed from a patientduring a medical procedure, such as a medical procedure for treatingvarious maladies, such as various types of cancer, bacterial infections,viral infections, meningitis, gangrene, Ebola, Hepatitis C, AIDS, staphinfections, and pneumonia (viral or bacterial).

At step 1004, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and/or other harmful orundesirable gases are vented from the blood. In some embodiments, one ormore venting systems (such as venting system 109 of FIG. 1) may be usedto vent undesirable gases from the blood. Venting the undesirable gasesfrom the blood may be advantageous in various embodiments. For example,as a result of a medical procedure, the blood may have a buildup ofcarbon dioxide in the blood. Removing the carbon dioxide from the bloodbefore the blood is returned to the patient can prevent or reduce thelikelihood of a cardiac arrhythmia, a heart failure, or other healthfailure of patient 102.

At step 1006, the blood may be heated to and maintained at a suitabletemperature. For example, the blood may be heated to and maintained at arange of 42 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.1 to 43.9 degreesCelsius, a range of 42.2 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.3 to43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.4 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a rangeof 42.5 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.6 to 43.9 degreesCelsius, a range of 42.7 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.8 to43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.9 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a rangeof 43.0 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 43.1 to 43.9 degreesCelsius, a range of 43.2 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 43.3 to43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 43.4 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a rangeof 43.5 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 43.6 to 43.9 degreesCelsius, a range of 43.7 to 43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 43.8 to43.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 43.8 degrees Celsius, a range of42 to 43.7 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 43.6 degrees Celsius, arange of 42 to 43.5 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 43.4 degreesCelsius, a range of 42 to 43.3 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 43.2degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 43.1 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to43.0 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 42.8 degrees Celsius, a range of42 to 42.7 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 42.6 degrees Celsius, arange of 42 to 42.5 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 42.4 degreesCelsius, a range of 42 to 42.3 degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 42.2degrees Celsius, a range of 42 to 42.1 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.1to 42.8 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.3 to 42.7 degrees Celsius, arange of 42.4 to 42.6 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.5 to 42.9 degreesCelsius, a range of 42.6 to 42.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.7 to42.9 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.8 to 42.9 degrees Celsius, a rangeof 42.5 to 42.8 degrees Celsius, a range of 42.5 to 42.7 degreesCelsius, a range of 42.5 to 42.6 degrees Celsius, or any other rangebetween 42 and 43.9 degrees Celsius such as the ranges set forth abovein connection with FIG. 1. As another example, the blood may be heatedto and maintained at a temperature not above 43.9 degrees Celsius, atemperature not above 43.8 degrees Celsius, a temperature not above 43.7degrees Celsius, a temperature not above 43.6 degrees Celsius, atemperature not above 43.5 degrees Celsius, a temperature not above 43.4degrees Celsius, a temperature not above 43.2 degrees Celsius, atemperature not above 43.1 degrees Celsius, a temperature not above 43.0degrees Celsius, a temperature not above 42.9 degrees Celsius, atemperature not above 42.8 degrees Celsius, a temperature not above 42.7degrees Celsius, a temperature not above 42.6 degrees Celsius, atemperature not above 42.5 degrees Celsius, a temperature not above 42.4degrees Celsius, or a temperature not above 42.3 degrees Celsius, or anyother temperature described above. One or more heat exchangers and/orheating devices (such as heat exchanger 110 of FIG. 1 and/or heatingtubes of FIG. 1) may be used to heat the blood to (and maintain theblood at) the temperature or temperature range suitable for the medicalprocedure.

At step 1008, the blood may be oxygenated to add oxygen (and/or removecarbon dioxide) from the blood. One or more oxygenators (such asoxygenator 114 of FIG. 1) may be used to oxygenate the blood.

At step 1010, one or more substances, chemicals, or nutrients may beintroduced into the blood. As an example, suitable pharmaceuticals,vitamins, and/or nutritional elements (e.g., liquid food and/or glucose)may be introduced into the blood. As another example, one or moresubstances can be introduced that facilitate or increase the productionof reactive oxygen species within the blood (e.g., ozone or Freon asdiscussed above). Administration of such pharmaceuticals, vitamins,and/or nutritional elements may assist healthy cells and/or mayfacilitate killing of unhealthy cells (e.g., cancer cells or other cellsdeleterious to the body). One or more reintroduction systems (such asreintroduction system 116 of FIG. 1) may be used to add the one or morechemicals or nutrients into the blood.

At step 1012, one or more toxins may be removed from the blood. Forexample, pro inflammatory mediators like Interlukin and Cytokine may beremoved from the blood. In some embodiments, one or more toxin removalsystems (such as toxin removal system 106 of FIG. 1) may be used toremove toxins from the blood. Removing toxins from the blood may beadvantageous in various embodiments as it may make the blood moresuitable to be injected into a human. In some embodiments, the toxinsmay be removed using diffusion dialysis and/or convection dialysis.Furthermore, in some embodiments, toxins may be removed from all or aportion of the blood. As an example, all of the blood may be provided tothe toxin removal system via one or more pumps. As a further example, aslip stream of the blood may be diverted to the toxin removal system.

At step 1014, the blood may be returned to the body of the patient. Itmay also be stored for later use. The treated blood (e.g., having theabove described temperature ranges or temperature, flowing at the abovedescribed flow rate, and/or having been treated using one or more of theabove techniques or steps) may be inserted into the patient's body. Suchan insertion of this treated blood may be advantageous because it mayallow the patient to be treated for various maladies, such as varioustypes of cancer (including Stage IV cancer), bacterial infections, viralinfections, meningitis, Hepatitis C, AIDS, staph infections, andpneumonia (viral or bacterial), as is described above in FIG. 1.

Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular steps ofthe method of FIG. 10 as occurring in a particular order, thisdisclosure contemplates any suitable steps of the method of FIG. 10occurring in any suitable order. For example, the blood can be sent tothe toxin removal system any time after it is removed from the patientor received from another source (e.g., before it is heated, before it isoxygenated, before it is vented, etc.). As other example, the blood maybe vented, heated, oxygenated, pumped, and/or sent for fluid replacementany time after the blood is removed from the patient or received fromanother source. Some embodiments may repeat the steps of FIG. 10, whereappropriate. For example, blood may be sent to toxin clearance more thanonce, vented more than once, heated more than once, oxygenated more thanonce, pumped more than once, and/or sent for fluid replacement more thanonce. Some embodiments may not include one or more of the steps of FIG.10. For example, one or more of oxygenation, toxin clearance, venting,and/or fluid replacement may be optional. Furthermore, although thisdisclosure describes and illustrates particular components, devices, orsystems carrying out particular steps of the method of FIG. 10, thisdisclosure contemplates any suitable combination of any suitablecomponents, devices, or systems carrying out any suitable steps of anyof the method of FIG. 10.

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrates embodiments of implementing heat exchanger 110of FIG. 1 using solid materials. FIG. 11A depicts blood from patient 102flowing through inlet 1102, through channels 1106, and out throughoutlet 1104 to eventually return to patient 102 at a rate in the rangeof 1.5 to 15 liters per minute. Heat exchanger 110 can be formed of asolid material that is heated to a temperature within the range of,e.g., 42 and 46 degrees Celsius. Any suitable shape can be used for heatexchanger 110. Examples of such shapes include: cylindrical, cubical,irregular, spiral, conical, spherical, cuboidal, prism-shaped, andpyramidal. Any suitable material can be used to form the solid. Examplesof such materials include: nylon, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium,polypropylene, polyester, or any suitable combination of the preceding.Channels 1106 may be formed in the solid material using any suitabletechnique. Examples of such techniques include drilling holes into ablock of solid material, milling a solid block of material, or formingthe channels by combining several pieces of solid material that areappropriately cut.

FIGS. 11B and 11C are a top view and a side view, respectively, of oneembodiment of heat exchanger 110 implemented using solid materialsillustrating how heat can be applied within heat exchanger 110. FIG. 11Band 11C illustrate one embodiment of heat exchanger 110 where heatingelements 1108 are placed through the solid material and around channels1106. In this manner, e.g., heat transfers from heating elements 1108 tothe blood in channels 1106. Heating elements 1108, in some embodiments,may be placed to facilitate even heating of the solid material.

FIG. 11D illustrates one embodiment of heat exchanger 110 implementedusing solid materials illustrating how heat can be applied externally toheat exchanger 110. Heating coil 1110 is placed around heat exchanger110 to apply heat to the solid material within which blood is flowingvia inlet 1102 and outlet 1104. Heating elements can be used instead of,or in addition to, heating coils. In some embodiments, heat exchanger110 implemented using solid materials can have heat applied using someor all of the techniques depicted in FIGS. 11B-11D.

In some embodiments, thermostats may be used to facilitate control overheating heat exchanger 110 implemented using solid materials (e.g., asdepicted in FIGS. 11A-11D). For example, thermostats may measure andcontrol the temperature of heating elements 1108 and/or heating coil1110. Signals may be sent to a control device that monitors and adjuststhe target temperature of heat exchanger 110 as may be suitable.

FIGS. 12A-C illustrate embodiments of heat exchanging systems. Thesesystems can be used instead of, in addition to, or combined with heatexchanger 110 and heat source 112 of FIG. 1. FIG. 12A illustrates oneembodiment of heat exchanging system 1200 that includes reservoir 1210holding a fluid and heat source 1220 that heats the fluid. Blood flowsto heat exchanger 1230 via inlet 1240 and out of heat exchanger 1230 viaoutlet 1250; heat is transferred to the blood. Circulation subsystem1260 (e.g., propellers, jets, and/or suction devices) may be used tomove fluid within reservoir 1210 to facilitate even heat distributionthroughout reservoir 1210; in some embodiments, circulation subsystem1260 may not be included in heat exchanging system 1200. In variousembodiments, the components of heat exchanging system 1200 may beconfigured in various, suitable locations within reservoir 1210 orexternal to reservoir 1210. For example, heat source 1220 can beimplemented using one or more heating elements, one or more heatingcoils, and/or a natural gas flame and these can be placed in variouslocations in reservoir 1210 to facilitate even heating of the liquidheld by reservoir 1210.

FIG. 12B illustrates one embodiment of heat exchanger 1230. Heatexchanger 1230 includes channels 1232 through which blood flows frominlet 1240 to outlet 1250. Heat exchanger can, in some embodiments, alsoinclude spaces 1234 between channels 1232. Spaces 1234 can facilitateheating of the blood to allow the heated fluid in reservoir 1210 tosurround channels 1232. Any suitable material(s) can be used in heatexchanger 1230, such as one or more of the following: stainless steel,titanium, polyester, polypropylene, and nylon.

FIG. 12C illustrates one embodiment of heat exchanging system 1270 thatuses multiple reservoirs. Reservoir 1210 includes heated fluid thatprovides heat to heat exchanger 1230. Heat exchanger 1230 is immersed inthe heated fluid of reservoir 1210 and has blood pass through it viainlet 1240 and outlet 1250; heat exchanger 1230 is configured to heatthe blood. The heated liquid in reservoir 1210 comes from reservoir 1280that includes heat source 1220 to heat liquid in reservoir 1280. Heatedliquid from reservoir 1280 can be sent to reservoir 1210 using anysuitable technique, including piping the liquid and/or pumping theliquid. The heated liquid can be returned from reservoir 1210 toreservoir 1280; this, in some embodiments, may lead to circulation ofthe heated liquid around heat exchanger 1230 and facilitate heattransfer. The flow rate of the heated liquid between reservoirs 1210 and1280 may be any suitable rate; for example, the rate may be between 1liter and 500 gallons per minute in one or both directions.

The fluid in the reservoirs discussed above with respect to FIGS. 12A-Ccan be any suitable fluid. Examples include water, alcohol, highviscosity liquids, and mercury. The reservoirs discussed above can be ofany suitable size; for example, the sizes can range from two quarts tofive thousand gallons. The fluids can be heated to any suitabletemperature; for example, the fluids can be heated to a temperaturewithin the range of 42-46 degrees Celsius. The flow of blood through thesystem depicted in FIGS. 12A-C can be of any suitable speed; forexample, blood can flow at rate between 1.4 liters per minute to 14liters per minute. Reservoirs 1210 and 1280 can be of any suitableshape; they may be the same or different shapes and such shapes caninclude cylinders, rectangular or triangular prisms, cubes, or irregularshapes.

FIGS. 13A-B illustrate embodiments of heat exchanging systems usingmultiple heat exchangers. These systems can be used instead of, inaddition to, or combined with heat exchanger 110 and heat source 112 ofFIG. 1. FIG. 13A illustrates one embodiment of heat exchanging system1300 configured such that heat exchangers 1310 a and 1310b are connectedin series. Blood from patient 102 enters heat exchanger 1310 a, exitsheat exchanger 1310 a after being heated, and then enters heat exchanger1310 b. Blood exiting heat exchanger 1310 b is further heated. Heatexchangers 1310 a and 1310b use heated liquid from heat sources 1320 aand 1320b, respectively, to apply heat to the blood. Flow rates for theheated liquids circulated by heat sources 1320 a and 1320b at anysuitable rate such as rates between 1 liter per minute and 250 gallonsper minute. In various embodiments, heat exchangers 1310 a and 1310b aswell as heat sources 1320 a and 1320b can be implemented using any ofthe techniques discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-12C. In someembodiments, heat exchangers 1310 a and 1310b can use less or moresources for heated liquid than two as depicted in FIG. 13A. In someembodiments, more than two heat exchangers can be connected in series,such as 3, 4, 5, 6, or a greater number of heat exchangers; each of suchheat exchangers can use the same or different sources of heated liquidin any suitable combination.

FIG. 13B illustrates one embodiment of heat exchanging system 1350configured such that heat exchangers 1360 a and 1360b are connected inparallel. The blood stream from patient 102 is divided into two separatestreams and one stream enters heat exchanger 1360 a while the otherenters heat exchanger 1310 b. After the blood streams are heated inthese exchangers, they are recombined. Heat exchangers 1360 a and 1360buse heated liquid from heat sources 1370 a and 1370b, respectively, toapply heat to the blood. Flow rates for the heated liquids circulated byheat sources 1370 a and 1370b at any suitable rate such as rates between1 liter per minute and 250 gallons per minute. In various embodiments,heat exchangers 1360 a and 1360b as well as heat sources 1370 a and1370b can be implemented using any of the techniques discussed abovewith respect to FIGS. 1-12C. In some embodiments, heat exchangers 1360 aand 1360b can use less or more sources for heated liquid than two asdepicted in FIG. 13A. In some embodiments, more than two heat exchangerscan be connected in parallel, such as 3, 4, 5, 6, or a greater number ofheat exchangers; each of such heat exchangers can use the same ordifferent sources of heated liquid in any suitable combination.

In some embodiments, the techniques discussed above with respect toFIGS. 13A and 13B can be combined. For example, blood can be heatedusing two or more heat exchangers that are in series as well as two ormore heat exchangers that are in parallel. Any suitable combination ofheat exchangers connected in parallel or in series may be used to heatthe blood. In some embodiments, the use of multiple heat exchangers canreduce the temperature needed for the heated liquid to achieve thedesired blood temperature and/or reduce the time it takes to heat theblood to the desired temperature. This can result in treatments thatlast a shorter period of time and reduce the health risks of the patientwhose blood is being heated.

FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of heat exchanging system 1400configured to use a membrane to facilitate transfer of heat to the bloodfrom a patient. This system can be used instead of, in addition to, orcombined with heat exchanger 110 and heat source 112 of FIG. 1. FIG. 14illustrates one embodiment of heat exchanging system 1400 that includesreservoir 1210 holding a fluid and heat source 1220 that heats thefluid. Blood flows to membranes 1410 a-b (arranged in parallel) viainlet 1440 and out of membranes 1410 a-b via outlet 1450; heat can betransferred to the blood. Circulation subsystem 1260 (e.g., propellers,jets, and/or suction devices) may be used to move fluid within reservoir1210 to facilitate even heat distribution throughout reservoir 1210; insome embodiments, circulation subsystem 1260 may not be included in heatexchanging system 1400. In various embodiments, components 1210, 1220,and 1260 may be implemented as discussed above with respect to FIGS.12A-12C. As an example, suitable blood flow rates for heat exchangingsystem 1400 can be in the range of 1.4 liters per minute to 15 litersper minute; other blood flow rates disclosed above can also be used.

In some embodiments, system 1400 may include less or more than the twodepicted membranes 1410 a-b. Such membranes may be connected in parallel(as depicted in FIG. 14), in series, or in any suitable combination ofparallel and series configurations. As an example, a micro-porousmembrane, such as a dialysis membrane cartridge, may be used toimplement membranes 1410 a-b. In some embodiments, membranes 1410 a-bcan serve as a heat exchanger to heat the blood and to remove toxins,inflammatory mediators, or other matter from the blood (examples ofwhich are discussed above with respect to toxin removal system 106 ofFIG. 1). Such a membrane can use diffusion or convection dialysistechniques and can remove toxins up to 60,000 Daltons or more. This canassist in removing cytokines, dead cancer cells, and waste created inthe process of heating the patient's blood.

In various embodiments, any suitable size of membrane can be used toimplement membranes 1410 a-b. For example, a microporous membranecartridge with an effective surface area of 1.81 to 18 square meterscould be used. As examples, a cartridge with an effective surface areaof 1.85 to 18 square meters, 1.90 to 18 square meters, or 2.0 to 18square meters may be used. In other specific embodiments, a cartridgewith an effective surface area of between 1.18 to 5 square meters, 1.85to 5 square meters, 1.90 to 5 square meters, or 2.0 to 5 square metersmay be used. This can allow for greater blood and heat contact time andcould reduce the amount of time it takes to heat the blood travelingthrough the single cartridge. It can allow for reducing the temperatureof the heat source (e.g., to 42.5 to 43 or 43.9 degrees Celsius) whilebeing able to heat the blood at a desired speed or at a faster speed.This can result, in some embodiments, from the greater contact time theblood has with the heat source. Larger membrane cartridges oralternative materials can be used in various embodiments (e.g., up to2.4 square meters of effective membrane filter media in a singlemicro-porous cartridge). The membranes can be configured to be modularsuch that more than one membrane can be connected together. As examples,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 membranes can be connected together in a modularfashion. The discussion of the implementation of membranes 1410 a-b canbe used to implement toxin removal system 106 of FIG. 1 discussed above(e.g., diffusion or convection dialysis machines used to implement toxinremoval system 106 can use any implementation of membranes 1410 a-bdiscussed herein).

In some embodiments, one or more of membranes 1410 a-b may be replacedwith, or supplemented by, one or more heat exchangers having a surfacearea of, for example, six square inches or greater (e.g., one squarefoot or greater); such heat exchanger(s) can have a surface area in anyof the ranges recited above for microporous membrane cartridges.Examples of materials used in such heat exchanger(s) include, but arenot limited to, steel, stainless steel, plastic, titanium, and othersuitable materials. In operation, as an example, the heat exchanger(s)can sit submerged in fluid held by reservoir 1210 and can heat the bloodof a patient. This can occur by having blood on one side of the heatexchanger(s), and having another side of the heat exchanger(s) incontact with the heated liquid.

In some embodiments, heat exchanging system 1400 may operate as follows.Discussion of one of membranes 1410 a-b can apply to the other ofmembranes 1410 a-b, or other of alternative materials used in place ofone or more of these membranes. Heated water in reservoir 1210 can flowaround the surface area of the outside of membrane 1410 a (which can beimplemented as a single cartridge). Blood can be flowing through thecenter, or inside of the hollow fiber membrane strands, of membrane 1410a. Strands of membrane 1410 a can have a separate chamber, on theinside, from the outside of the material. In some embodiments, heatedwater can run through the inside of fibers of membrane 1410 a, and theblood can run on the outside of the fibers. The blood can be in aseparate chamber on the outside of the bundle of fibers. Heat from thewater will transfer to the cooler blood from a patient, as the bloodtravels through the bundle of individual hollow fiber membrane strands,with the cooler blood flowing inside the fibers and the heat source ofwater being on the outside of the micro-porous membrane individualstrands that comprise the cartridge.

In some embodiments, membranes 1410 a-b can implement convectiondialysis. They can cause a solvent drag where solute is carried (in asolution) across a semi-permeable membrane in response to atransmembrane pressure gradient. Efficiencies of this process can becontrolled by selection of the porosity of the membrane and thehydrostatic pressure of the blood, which can depend upon the flow rateof the blood. As examples, membranes 1410 a-b can have an effectiveremoval ability of 0.01 to 5,000 or 6,000 Daltons or of 1 to 60,000Daltons or higher.

In various embodiments, some, none, or all of the following advantagescan be present in the various embodiments discussed above. Inducedhyperthermia can be applied to the entire body. Blood can be maintainedat a temperature between 42 and 43.2 degrees Celsius (or at any of thetemperature ranges or temperatures discussed above) while being removedand pumped into the body. Induced hyperthermia can be accomplishedwithout the need of a heat chamber. One or more of the embodimentsdescribed above may be used as a standard of care and treatment forvarious cancers or other maladies and can reduce or avoid the need offurther treatment (e.g., surgical removal of tumor or cancer cells). Oneor more of the techniques discussed above may enable inducedhyperthermia such that: a temperature of 42 degrees Celsius or slightlyhigher (e.g., such as any of the temperature ranges or temperaturesdiscussed above) to all, or substantially all, of the cancer cells in abody for an appropriate duration of time (such as any of the ranges oftime discussed above); the entire body (or the important parts of thebody) can be heated substantially consistently throughout the treatment;the core body (or the important parts of the body) temperature,including the brain's temperature, can be accurately monitored. Aprecise, body-wide, controllable hyperthermia method can be achievedthat can kill all, nearly all, or a substantial number of the cancercells in a patient over their entire body or substantially their entirebody without harming (or severely harming) or damaging the patienteither during the procedure, hours after the procedure, or one or moredays after the procedure. A high blood flow rate may be enabled so thatinduced hyperthermia can raise the core body temperature to the range of42 to 43.2 degrees Celsius (or any of the temperature ranges ortemperatures discussed above) within 45 minutes (or any of the abovediscussed time ranges) without raising the temperature of the blood to44 to 48 degrees Celsius. Convection dialysis can be employed to removetoxins and/or pro inflammatory mediators created by full body inducedhyperthermia that are in the range of 1-60,000 Daltons or above;dialysis (convection or diffusion) can be performed during the inducedhyperthermia and after the induced hyperthermia (e.g., up to 48 hoursafter induced hyperthermia, or any of the time durations discussedabove) to better remove toxins and/or pro inflammatory mediators.Convection dialysis can be performed such that plasma water iselectrolyte and acid-balanced through the dialysis filter medium andreturned to the blood just prior to entering back into the patient'sbody to maintain physiological homeostasis and proper fluid balance.

Using one or more of the techniques above, tests were performed using aBECKMAN COULTER MODEL 731050 VI-CELL XR system. Blood was drawn one hourinto the induced hyperthermia treatment, two hours into the inducedhyperthermia treatment, and after the procedure (approximately two hoursand forty-three minutes after beginning the procedure). The patient wasa pig. The white cell counts were the same throughout the procedureincluding cell viability (e.g., little to no death of white bloodcells). The blood being heated was never above 43.2 degrees Celsius. Theinvention can be used to treat mammals other than humans.

FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of system 1500 configured to removecontaminants (e.g., toxins and/or inflammatory mediators) from apatient's blood. As an overview, FIG. 15 depicts ports 1502, 1504, 1506,1508, 1520, 1522, 1524, 1526 at different veins and/or arteries onpatient 1501. Associated with each of these ports is a toxin removalsystem which processes blood taken from the ports. Thus, FIG. 15 depictsport 1502 being connected to toxin removal system 1512, port 1504 beingconnected to toxin removal system 1514, port 1506 being connected withtoxin removal system 1516, port 1508 being connected to toxin removalsystem 1518, port 1520 being connected to toxin removal system 1530,port 1522 being connected with toxin removal system 1532, port 1524being connected with toxin removal system 1534, and port 1526 beingconnected with toxin removal system 1536. In the example depicted inFIG. 15, port 1502 is associated with the right jugular vein, port 1504is associated with the left jugular vein, port 1522 is associated withthe right clavicle vein, port 1520 is associated with the left claviclevein, port 1526 is associated with the right forearm vein, port 1524 isassociated with the left forearm vein, port 1508 is associated with theright femoral vein, and port 1506 is associated with the left femoralvein. In various embodiments, more or less ports may be used on aparticular patient. Further, different veins and arteries may be usedwith the ports than the ones depicted in FIG. 15. Each of the toxinremoval systems depicted in FIG. 15 can serve to remove contaminant fromthe blood of patient 1501, introduce fluids and nutrients into the bloodof patient 1501, or perform both of these functions in variousembodiments. More or less toxin removal systems may be used than thenumber depicted in FIG. 15. One or more of the toxin removal systemsdepicted in FIG. 15 may be operated simultaneously.

Contaminants can be in a patient's blood due to one or more situationssuch as cancer cells dying quickly, pancreatitis, cirrhosis, organfailure, heart attack, stroke, organ damage or failure (which can affectthe health of other organs). Examples of how cancer cells may diequickly include one or more of: induced hyperthermia (as discussedabove), induced hypothermia (e.g., using an external loop as discussedabove regarding FIG. 1 but using coolers instead of heaters to cool theblood to a temperature between 32 to 40 degrees Celsius), the use ofviruses targeting cancer cells, stem cell therapy, chemotherapy, andradiation therapy. Other manners of killing cancer cells may also leadto increased levels of contaminants in a patient's blood. Utilizingsystem 1500 can remove toxins and/or inflammatory mediators from humanblood using hemodialysis, convection dialysis, and/or intermittent renaldialysis (e.g., diffusion analysis). As an example, the replacementfluid rate can be set at 3 liters per hour and the toxin removal ratecan be set at 4.5 liters per minute. System 1500 can be used for anysuitable time frame. For example, system 1500 can be used during aprocedure that results in increased contaminants in a patient's blood aswell as after such a procedure (e.g., for hours, days, or even weeksafter the procedure). System 1500 can be run continuously or in periodsor phases.

In some embodiments, each of toxin removal systems 1512, 1514, 1530,1532, 1534, 1536, 1516 and 1518 may be implemented using the discussionabove regarding toxin removal system 106. Further, each of the toxinremoval systems depicted in FIG. 15 may be implemented using theteachings discussed above regarding reintroduction system 116. Thus,each of the toxin removal systems depicted in FIG. 15 may be implementedusing toxin removal system 106, reintroduction system 116, or acombination of the two.

Blood flow rates through system 1500 can vary. For example, system 1500can include blood flow rates from 3-20 liters per minute. In someembodiments, achieving the flow rates discussed herein may involve usingan external loop with pumps as discussed above regarding FIG. 1. Inother embodiments, achieving these flow rates may involve using morethan one of the toxin removal systems depicted in FIG. 15 that processblood from more than one part of the patient's body. For example, twotoxin removal systems can process blood from both sides of the patient'sbody (e.g., the left and the right side of the body). As anotherexample, two toxin removal systems can process blood from differentparts of the same side of the body (e.g., the forearm and the leg).Rates of introduction of substances into the blood by system 1500 canalso vary, e.g. from 1.5 to 26 liters per hour. The disclosure aboveregarding rates of operation of reintroduction system 116 applies to therates of introduction of substances into the blood by system 1500.

In some embodiments, different types and configurations of membranes canbe used for the toxin removal systems depicted in FIG. 15 (such asdevices performing hemodialysis, convection dialysis, and diffusiondialysis). For example, a microporous membrane cartridge with aneffective surface area of 1.81 to 18 square meters could be used. Asexamples, a cartridge with an effective surface area of 1.85 to 18square meters, 1.90 to 18 square meters, or 2.0 to 18 square meters maybe used. In other specific embodiments, a cartridge with an effectivesurface area of between 1.18 to 5 square meters, 1.85 to 5 squaremeters, 1.90 to 5 square meters, or 2.0 to 5 square meters may be used.Larger membrane cartridges or alternative materials can be used invarious embodiments (e.g., up to 2.4 square meters of effective membranefilter media in a single micro-porous cartridge). The membranes can beconfigured to be modular such that more than one membrane can beconnected together. As examples, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 membranes can beconnected together in a modular fashion. Advantages present in someembodiments using these different types and configurations of membranesinclude allowing for faster flow rates through the toxin removal systemsand allowing for removal of contaminants of varying sizes (e.g., in therange of 1 to 60,000 Daltons or more).

In some embodiments, blood can be taken from various portions of thepatient's body. As examples, blood can be taken from: femoral veins,jugular veins, clavicle veins, aorta arteries, or other arteries andveins that have blood flow of at least 0.1 liters per minute. To drawblood from those portions of the body, ports 1502, 1504, 1506, 1508,1520, 1522, 1524, and 1526 may each be implemented, in some embodiments,using double Lumen entry ports that can be sized French 11.5 or 12. Thesize of double Lumen entry ports can range from size 4 to size 20, asexamples. Single Lumen ports can be used along with, or as analternative to, double Lumen ports. Single Lumen ports can be sized inthe range of 18-26 gauge. For example, 6 sites could be used with 12single needles on patient 1501.

FIG. 16 illustrates one embodiment of system 1600 configured to removetoxins from patient's 1601 blood. In FIG. 16, two ports are depicted,port 1602 and port 1606. Attached to these ports are multiple toxinremoval systems. Port 1606 is attached to toxin removal systems 1616 and1618 using branching. Likewise, port 1602 is attached to toxin removalsystems 1612 and 1614. While two ports are depicted in system 1600, moreor less ports may be used. Further, while two toxin removal systems aredepicted as being attached to each port, each port may use more or lesstoxin removal systems. The ports and toxin removal systems of FIG. 16may be implemented using the techniques discussed above in FIG. 15regarding the ports and toxin removal systems in that figure. Thebranching depicted in FIG. 16 may be accomplished using a suitableconfiguration of valves, tubes, connectors, and junctions.

In the configuration depicted in FIG. 16, multiple rates of toxinremoval and fluid replacement are configurable. For example, the toxinremoval rate can be selected from the range of 0.3 to 1.8 liters perminute and the replacement fluid rate can be selected from the range of1.5 to 32 liters per hour.

The examples discussed above with respect to FIG. 16 illustrate a mannerin which multiple toxin removal and fluid replacement devices can beused with patient 1601. Multiple hoses or branches can be used to allowfor desired toxin removal and fluid replacement rates. While aparticular configuration (including the number and arrangement of toxinremoval and fluid replacement devices) is depicted in FIG. 16, theteachings discussed above can lead to different configurations based on,for example, desired toxin removal and fluid replacement rates as wellas patient's 1601 status (such as whether certain veins or arteries areavailable for the procedure). One, two, three, four, or even greaternumber of toxin removal and fluid replacement devices could be used inany suitable configuration using the teachings discussed above. Inaddition, more than two devices may be branched off of a single port onthe patient's body if desired.

FIG. 17 illustrates one embodiment of method 1700 for removing toxinsfrom a patient's blood. In some embodiments, one or more steps of method1700 may be performed using one or more components of FIGS. 1, 6, and 8.At step 1702, in some embodiments, one or more ports may be insertedinto a patient's body. The ports may be connected to veins or arteries.The sites for the ports may include the jugular veins, the femoralveins, veins in the patient's forearms, or other veins or arteries thatprovide suitable blood flow. The ports used at this step may beimplemented using the examples discussed above regarding the ports inFIG. 15.

At step 1704, in some embodiments, the ports affixed to the patient'sbody at step 1702 may be connected to one or more toxin removal systems.Each port may be connected to a single toxin removal system or tomultiple toxin removal systems at this step. The teachings aboveregarding FIGS. 15 and 16 may be used to implement this step. Thesystems connected to the ports at this step may be used to filtercontaminants from a patient's blood, introduce nutrients or otherchemicals into the patient's blood, or a combination of the two. Thenumber of toxin removal systems and ports used at step 1702 and 1704 maybe chosen based on desired rates of blood flow through the toxin removalsystem and rates of introduction of fluids or nutrients into thepatient's blood.

At step 1706, in come embodiments, blood is caused to flow from thepatient's body to the toxin removal systems connected to the ports atstep 1704. The rate of blood flow may be controlled or configured usingthe toxin removal systems and the number of toxin removal systemsattached to the patient in the previous steps. The flow rates that areused at this step can change and can be selected from the flow ratesidentified above related toxin removal systems and reintroductionsystems depicted in FIGS. 1, 15 and 16.

At step 1708, in some embodiments, the blood from the patient may befiltered using the toxin removal systems. Contaminants may be removed bythe toxin removal systems. The contaminants may range in size from 1 to60,000 Daltons or more. The blood may be filtered by one or more toxinremoval systems attached to one or more ports on the patient's body. Thecontaminants may be in the blood due to death of cancer cells or othermaladies being treated. Removal of the contaminants may be beneficial tothe patient. The techniques used to filter contaminants from the bloodused at this step may be taken from the discussion above in FIGS. 1, 15and 16 regarding toxin removal systems.

At step 1710, in some embodiments, replacement fluids may be added tothe blood. Such fluids may include nutrients or minerals to facilitatethe health of the patient. In some embodiments, fluid added to the bloodat this step may be used to adjust the pH level of the patient's body.The pH level may be adjusted so that the patient's body may be closer toa normal pH level. Examples of the contents of the replacement fluid andthe rate at which the fluid may be added to the blood at this step aregiven in the discussion above regarding reintroduction system 116.

At step 1712, in some embodiments, blood may be returned to the patient.This may occur after it has gone through a toxin removal system. Theblood may be returned via the ports that were inserted at step 1702.After this step, the method may end.

The steps of FIG. 17 may be repeated and cycled that are of equal ordifferent times in various embodiments. The cycles may be performed withthe same or different periods of time between each cycle. The timebetween each cycle may include minutes, hours or days.

Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular steps ofthe method of FIG. 17 as occurring in a particular order, thisdisclosure contemplates any suitable steps of the method of FIG. 17occurring in any suitable order. Furthermore, although this disclosuredescribes and illustrates particular components, devices, or systemscarrying out particular steps of the method of FIG. 17, this disclosurecontemplates any suitable combination of any suitable components,devices, or systems carrying out any suitable steps of any of the methodof FIG. 17.

One or more advantages can be realized in various embodimentsimplementing the techniques discussed above (including the discussionregarding FIGS. 15-17). Removing some or all of the inflammatorymediators and toxins produced by dead cancer tissue can be accomplished.This can reduce or eliminate some, most, or even all of the side effectscaused by therapies that cause rapid cancer death (e.g., chemotherapy,radiation, induced hyperthermia, virus therapy, and/or stem celltherapy) or other therapies that affect the health of the blood. It canalso reduce or eliminate some, most, or even all of the contamination ofthe blood due to pancreatitis, cirrhosis, organ malfunction or failure,heart attack, and stroke. If the toxins and inflammatory mediators arenot removed within the proper period of time (e.g., during the procedureor anywhere within 15 minutes to 48 hours after the procedure), thetoxins and inflammatory mediators can cause the pH level to drop and thepatient can die or suffer injury. As examples, the kidneys may shutdown, the liver may shut down, and blood platelets may stop beingproduced by the body. Using the techniques discussed above, the body canbe kept in a physiological homeostasis during procedures where thecancer cells are being killed.

The techniques above can also be used to modify one or more aspects ofintensive unit care or other medical care. For example, medical care ofa patient can involve monitoring and adjusting blood chemistry andpressure. This can involve drawing blood from the patient andintroducing chemicals into a patient by a practitioner such as a nurse.Such manual activities can be reduced or eliminated using the techniquesdiscussed above because the techniques above provide an automated mannerof maintaining physiological homeostasis of the blood. For instance,conventional medical practice may call for a patient's blood to be drawnand analyzed every few hours. Then, adjustments to the patient's bloodchemistry are performed according to the blood analysis results. Thiscan be problematic in patients who are suffering from certain maladiesthat substantially alter the patient's blood chemistry; for example, inthe hours taken to draw, analyze, and adjust aspects of the patient'sblood chemistry, significant damage can be done to the patient's healthresulting from the patient's problematic blood. Further, the individualadjustment's to the patient's blood take time to be implemented and mustbe monitored and re-analyzed over the course of several hours or days.For example, a blood test may indicate a deficiency in one component(such as potassium) that may lead to introduction of substances toaddress the deficiency; however, determining the efficacy of thetreatment can take hours. Further, in between blood tests, otherdeficiencies may develop that were not detected (e.g., in case ofsubstantial organ impairment or failure). Conventional treatments wouldthen lead to harm or even death of a patient due to only treatingsymptoms one or more at a time and monitoring efforts that take overhours or days. The techniques discussed above can ameliorate suchproblems by automatically adjusting the patient's blood chemistry inmultiple ways and within a shorter time frame (e.g., immediately orcontinuously).

The following is a numbered list of examples identifying particularcombinations of the techniques disclosed above. The present disclosureis not limited to the following combinations as the followingcombinations are only examples. The techniques and options discussedabove can be combined in any suitable manner.

EXAMPLES

1. A system comprising:

one or more pumps configured to pump blood in a fluid flow path at acollective rate of at least 4 liters per minute; and

one or more dialysis modules coupled to the fluid flow path andconfigured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood at acollective rate of at least 0.5 liters per minute.

2. The system of Example 1, wherein the one or more dialysis modules areconfigured to perform convection dialysis.

3. The system of Example 1, wherein the one or more dialysis modules areconfigured to perform diffusion dialysis.

4. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-3, further comprising areintroduction module coupled to the fluid flow path and configured toadd electrolyte-balanced fluid to at least a portion of the blood at arate of at least 7 liters per hour.

5. The system of Example 4, wherein the electrolyte-balanced fluid is ata temperature of at least 35 degrees Celsius.

6. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least4.5 liters per minute.

7. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least5 liters per minute.

8. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least5.5 liters per minute.

9. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least6 liters per minute.

10. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least6.5 liters per minute.

11. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least7 liters per minute.

12. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least7.5 liters per minute.

13. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least8 liters per minute.

14. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least8.5 liters per minute.

15. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least9 liters per minute.

16. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4and 4.5 liters per minute.

17. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4and 5 liters per minute.

18. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4and 5.5 liters per minute.

19. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4and 6 liters per minute.

20. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4and 6.5 liters per minute.

21. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4and 7 liters per minute.

22. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4and 7.5 liters per minute.

23. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4and 8 liters per minute.

24. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4and 8.5 liters per minute.

25. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4and 9 liters per minute.

26. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4.5and 9 liters per minute.

27. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 5and 9 liters per minute.

28. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 5.5and 9 liters per minute.

29. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 6and 9 liters per minute.

30. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 6.5and 9 liters per minute.

31. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 7and 9 liters per minute.

32. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 7.5and 9 liters per minute.

33. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 8and 9 liters per minute.

34. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-5, wherein the one or morepumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 8.5and 9 liters per minute.

35. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.55 liters perminute.

36. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.6 liters perminute.

37. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.65 liters perminute.

38. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.7 liters perminute.

39. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.75 liters perminute.

40. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.8 liters perminute.

41. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.85 liters perminute.

42. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.9 liters perminute.

43. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.95 liters perminute.

44. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1 liter perminute.

45. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.1 liters perminute.

46. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.2 liters perminute.

47. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.3 liters perminute.

48. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.4 liters perminute.

49. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.5 liters perminute.

50. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.6 liters perminute.

51. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.7 liters perminute.

52. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.8 liters perminute.

53. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.9 liters perminute.

54. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2 liters perminute.

55. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.1 liters perminute.

56. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.2 liters perminute.

57. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.3 liters perminute.

58. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.4 liters perminute.

59. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.5 liters perminute.

60. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.6 liters perminute.

61. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.7 liters perminute.

62. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.8 liters perminute.

63. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.9 liters perminute.

64. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 3 liters perminute.

65. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.55 litersper minute.

66. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.6 liters perminute.

67. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.65 litersper minute.

68. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.7 liters perminute.

69. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.75 litersper minute.

70. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.8 liters perminute.

71. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.85 litersper minute.

72. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.9 liters perminute.

73. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.95 litersper minute.

74. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1 liters perminute.

75. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.1 liters perminute.

76. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.2 liters perminute.

77. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.3 liters perminute.

78. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.4 liters perminute.

79. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.5 liters perminute.

80. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.6 liters perminute.

81. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.7 liters perminute.

82. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.8 liters perminute.

83. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.9 liters perminute.

84. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2 liters perminute.

85. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.1 liters perminute.

86. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.2 liters perminute.

87. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.3 liters perminute.

88. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.4 liters perminute.

89. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.5 liters perminute.

90. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.6 liters perminute.

91. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.7 liters perminute.

92. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.8 liters perminute.

93. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.9 liters perminute.

94. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 3 liters perminute.

95. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.55 and 3 liters perminute.

96. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.6 and 3 liters perminute.

97. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.65 and 3 liters perminute.

98. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.7 and 3 liters perminute.

99. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one or moredialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.75 and 3 liters perminute.

100. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.8 and 3 liters perminute.

101. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.85 and 3 liters perminute.

102. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.9 and 3 liters perminute.

103. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.95 and 3 liters perminute.

104. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1 and 3 liters perminute.

105. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.1 and 3 liters perminute.

106. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.2 and 3 liters perminute.

107. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.3 and 3 liters perminute.

108. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.4 and 3 liters perminute.

109. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.5 and 3 liters perminute.

110. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.6 and 3 liters perminute.

111. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.7 and 3 liters perminute.

112. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.8 and 3 liters perminute.

113. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.9 and 3 liters perminute.

114. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2 and 3 liters perminute.

115. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.1 and 3 liters perminute.

116. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.2 and 3 liters perminute.

117. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.3 and 3 liters perminute.

118. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.4 and 3 liters perminute.

119. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.5 and 3 liters perminute.

120. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.6 and 3 liters perminute.

121. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.7 and 3 liters perminute.

122. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.8 and 3 liters perminute.

123. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-34, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.9 and 3 liters perminute.

124. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-123, wherein:

the one or more dialysis modules are configured to receive the portionof the blood at a location on the fluid flow path downstream from theone or more pumps; and

the one or more dialysis modules are configured to cause blood treatedwith dialysis to enter the fluid flow path upstream from the one or morepumps.

125. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-124, further comprisingone or more heat exchangers coupled to the fluid flow path andconfigured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperature ofat least 42 degrees Celsius.

126. The system of Example 125, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperatureof at least 42.5 degrees Celsius.

127. The system of Example 125, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperatureof at least 43 degrees Celsius.

128. The system of Example 125, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperatureof at least 43.5 degrees Celsius.

129. The system of Example 125, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperatureof at least 44 degrees Celsius.

130. The system of Example 125, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperatureof at least 44.5 degrees Celsius.

131. The system of Example 125, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperatureof at least 45 degrees Celsius.

132. The system of Example 125, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 42 and 42.5 degrees Celsius.

133. The system of Example 125, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 42 and 43 degrees Celsius.

134. The system of Example 125, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 42 and 43.5 degrees Celsius.

135. The system of Example 125, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 42 and 44 degrees Celsius.

136. The system of Example 125, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 42 and 44.5 degrees Celsius.

137. The system of Example 125, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 42 and 45 degrees Celsius.

138. The system of Example 125, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 42.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

139. The system of Example 125, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 43 and 45 degrees Celsius.

140. The system of Example 125, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 43.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

141. The system of Example 125, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 44 and 45 degrees Celsius.

142. The system of Example 125, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 44.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

143. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-142, further comprisingone or more venting modules coupled to the fluid flow path, the one ormore venting modules configured to remove carbon dioxide from at least aportion of the blood.

144. The system of Example 143, wherein the one or more venting modulesare configured to add oxygen to at least a portion of the blood.

145. The system of Example 143, wherein the one or more venting modulesare configured to cause at least a portion of the blood to flow throughat least one membrane.

146. The system of Example 145, wherein the at least one membranecollectively has an effective surface area greater than 1.8 squaremeters.

147. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-146, further comprising anoxygenator coupled to the fluid flow path, the oxygenator configured tocause oxygen to be added to at least a portion of the blood.

148. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-147, further comprising areintroduction module coupled to the fluid flow path and configured toadd a substance to at least a portion of the blood that facilitates theproduction of reactive oxygen species within the blood.

149. The system of Example 148, wherein the substance comprises a freeradical.

150. The system of Example 148, wherein the substance comprises anunstable substance.

151. The system of Example 148, wherein the substance comprises ozone.

152. The system of Example 148, wherein the substance comprises Freon.

153. The system of Example 148, wherein the substance comprises iron.

154. The system of Example 148, wherein the substance comprises copper.

155. The system of Example 148, wherein the substance comprises ozoneand iron.

156. The system of Example 148, wherein the substance comprises ozoneand copper.

157. A method comprising:

pumping blood in a fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters perminute; and

performing dialysis on at least a portion of the blood from the fluidflow path at a rate of at least 0.5 liters per minute.

158. The method of Example 157, wherein performing dialysis comprisesperforming convection dialysis.

159. The method of Example 157, wherein performing dialysis comprisesperforming diffusion dialysis.

160. The method of Example 157, further comprising addingelectrolyte-balanced fluid to at least a portion of the blood at a rateof at least 7 liters per hour.

161. The method of Example 160, wherein the electrolyte-balanced fluidis at a temperature of at least 35 degrees Celsius.

162. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 4.5 liters per minute.

163. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 5 liters per minute.

164. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 5.5 liters per minute.

165. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 6 liters per minute.

166. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 6.5 liters per minute.

167. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 7 liters per minute.

168. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 7.5 liters per minute.

169. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 8 liters per minute.

170. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 8.5 liters per minute.

171. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 9 liters per minute.

172. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 4.5 liters per minute.

173. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 5 liters per minute.

174. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 5.5 liters per minute.

175. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 6 liters per minute.

176. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 6.5 liters per minute.

177. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 7 liters per minute.

178. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 7.5 liters per minute.

179. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 8 liters per minute.

180. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 8.5 liters per minute.

181. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 9 liters per minute.

182. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4.5 and 9 liters per minute.

183. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 5 and 9 liters per minute.

184. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 5.5 and 9 liters per minute.

185. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 6 and 9 liters per minute.

186. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 6.5 and 9 liters per minute.

187. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 7 and 9 liters per minute.

188. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 7.5 and 9 liters per minute.

189. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 8 and 9 liters per minute.

190. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-161, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 8.5 and 9 liters per minute.

191. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-190, wherein the bloodis pumped in the fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters perminute for a duration of at least 30 minutes.

192. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-190, wherein the bloodis pumped in the fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters perminute for a duration of at least 2 hours.

193. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-190, wherein the bloodis pumped in the fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters perminute for a duration of at least 3 hours.

194. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-190, wherein the bloodis pumped in the fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters perminute for a duration of at least 4 hours.

195. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-194, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.55 liters per minute.

196. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-194, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.6 liters per minute.

197. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.65 liters per minute.

198. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.7 liters per minute.

199. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.75 liters per minute.

200. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.8 liters per minute.

201. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.85 liters per minute.

202. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.9 liters per minute.

203. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.95 liters per minute.

204. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1 liter per minute.

205. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.1 liters per minute.

206. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.2 liters per minute.

207. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.3 liters per minute.

208. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.4 liters per minute.

209. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.5 liters per minute.

210. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.6 liters per minute.

211. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.7 liters per minute.

212. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.8 liters per minute.

213. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.9 liters per minute.

214. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2 liters per minute.

215. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.1 liters per minute.

216. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.2 liters per minute.

217. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.3 liters per minute.

218. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.4 liters per minute.

219. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.5 liters per minute.

220. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.6 liters per minute.

221. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.7 liters per minute.

222. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.8 liters per minute.

223. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.9 liters per minute.

224. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 3 liters per minute.

225. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.55 liters per minute.

226. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.6 liters per minute.

227. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.65 liters per minute.

228. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.7 liters per minute.

229. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.75 liters per minute.

230. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.8 liters per minute.

231. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.85 liters per minute.

232. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.9 liters per minute.

233. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.95 liters per minute.

234. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1 liters per minute.

235. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.1 liters per minute.

236. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.2 liters per minute.

237. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.3 liters per minute.

238. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.4 liters per minute.

239. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.5 liters per minute.

240. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.6 liters per minute.

241. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.7 liters per minute.

242. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.8 liters per minute.

243. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.9 liters per minute.

244. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2 liters per minute.

245. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.1 liters per minute.

246. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.2 liters per minute.

247. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.3 liters per minute.

248. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.4 liters per minute.

249. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.5 liters per minute.

250. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.6 liters per minute.

251. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.7 liters per minute.

252. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.8 liters per minute.

253. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.9 liters per minute.

254. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 3 liters per minute.

255. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.55 and 3 liters per minute.

256. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.6 and 3 liters per minute.

257. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.65 and 3 liters per minute.

258. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.7 and 3 liters per minute.

259. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.75 and 3 liters per minute.

260. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.8 and 3 liters per minute.

261. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.85 and 3 liters per minute.

262. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.9 and 3 liters per minute.

263. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.95 and 3 liters per minute.

264. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1 and 3 liters per minute.

265. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.1 and 3 liters per minute.

266. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.2 and 3 liters per minute.

267. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.3 and 3 liters per minute.

268. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.4 and 3 liters per minute.

269. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.5 and 3 liters per minute.

270. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.6 and 3 liters per minute.

271. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.7 and 3 liters per minute.

272. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.8 and 3 liters per minute.

273. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.9 and 3 liters per minute.

274. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2 and 3 liters per minute.

275. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.1 and 3 liters per minute.

276. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.2 and 3 liters per minute.

277. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.3 and 3 liters per minute.

278. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.4 and 3 liters per minute.

279. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.5 and 3 liters per minute.

280. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.6 and 3 liters per minute.

281. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.7 and 3 liters per minute.

282. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.8 and 3 liters per minute.

283. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-186, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.9 and 3 liters per minute.

284. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-283, wherein performingthe dialysis comprises:

receiving at least a portion of the blood at a location on the fluidflow path downstream from one or more pumps; and

causing blood treated with dialysis to enter the fluid flow pathupstream from the one or more pumps.

285. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-284, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 1 hour.

286. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-284, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 2 hours.

287. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-284, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 3 hours.

288. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-284, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 4 hours.

289. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-284, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 5 hours.

290. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-284, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 6 hours.

291. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-284, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 7 hours.

292. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-284, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 8 hours.

293. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-284, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 12 hours.

294. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-284, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 16 hours.

295. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-284, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 24 hours.

296. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-284, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 36 hours.

297. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-297, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 48 hours.

298. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-297, further comprisingheating at least a portion of the blood from the fluid flow path to atemperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius for at least 15 minutes.

299. The method of Example 298, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 42.5 degrees Celsius.

300. The method of Example 297, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 43 degrees Celsius.

301. The method of Example 297, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 43.5 degrees Celsius.

302. The method of Example 297, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 44 degrees Celsius.

303. The method of Example 297, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 44.5 degrees Celsius.

304. The method of Example 297, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 45 degrees Celsius.

305. The method of Example 297, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 42.5 degrees Celsius.

306. The method of Example 297, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 43 degrees Celsius.

307. The method of Example 297, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 43.5 degrees Celsius.

308. The method of Example 297, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius.

309. The method of Example 297, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 44.5 degrees Celsius.

310. The method of Example 297, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 45 degrees Celsius.

311. The method of Example 297, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

312. The method of Example 297, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius.

313. The method of Example 297, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 43.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

314. The method of Example 297, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 44 and 45 degrees Celsius.

315. The method of Example 297, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 44.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

316. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-315, further comprisingremoving carbon dioxide from at least a portion of the blood.

317. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-316, further comprisingadding oxygen to at least a portion of the blood.

318. The method of Example 316, wherein removing carbon dioxide from atleast a portion of the blood comprises causing the blood to flow throughat least one membrane.

319. The method of Example 318, wherein the at least one membranecollectively has an effective surface area greater than 1.8 squaremeters.

320. One or more of the methods of Examples 316-319, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 30minutes.

321. One or more of the methods of Examples 316-319, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 1hour.

322. One or more of the methods of Examples 316-319, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 1.5hours.

323. One or more of the methods of Examples 316-319, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 2hours.

324. One or more of the methods of Examples 316-319, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 2.5hours.

325. One or more of the methods of Examples 316-319, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 3hours.

326. One or more of the methods of Examples 316-319, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 3.5hours.

327. One or more of the methods of Examples 316-319, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 4hours.

328. One or more of the methods of Examples 316-319, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 4.5hours.

329. One or more of the methods of Examples 316-319, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 5hours.

330. One or more of the methods of Examples 316-319, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 5.5hours.

331. One or more of the methods of Examples 316-319, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 6hours.

332. One or more of the methods of Examples 316-319, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 6.5hours.

333. One or more of the methods of Examples 316-319, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 7hours.

334. One or more of the methods of Examples 316-319, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 7.5hours.

335. One or more of the methods of Examples 316-319, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 8hours.

336. One or more of the methods of Examples 298-335, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 30 minutes.

337. One or more of the methods of Examples 298-335, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 1 hour.

338. One or more of the methods of Examples 298-335, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 1.5 hours.

339. One or more of the methods of Examples 298-335, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 2 hours.

340. One or more of the methods of Examples 298-335, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 2.5 hours.

341. One or more of the methods of Examples 298-335, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 3 hours.

342. One or more of the methods of Examples 298-335, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 3.5 hours.

343. One or more of the methods of Examples 298-335, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 4 hours.

344. One or more of the methods of Examples 298-335, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 4.5 hours.

345. One or more of the methods of Examples 298-335, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 5 hours.

346. One or more of the methods of Examples 298-335, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 5.5 hours.

347. One or more of the methods of Examples 298-335, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 6 hours.

348. One or more of the methods of Examples 157-347, further comprisingadding a substance to at least a portion of the blood that facilitatesthe production of reactive oxygen species within the blood.

349. The method of Example 348, wherein the substance comprises a freeradical.

350. The method of Example 348, wherein the substance comprises anunstable sub stance.

351. The method of Example 348, wherein the substance comprises ozone.

352. The method of Example 348, wherein the substance comprises Freon.

353. The method of Example 348, wherein the substance comprises iron.

354. The method of Example 348, wherein the substance comprises copper.

355. The method of Example 348, wherein the substance comprises ozoneand iron.

356. The method of Example 348, wherein the substance comprises ozoneand copper.

357. A system comprising:

one or more heat exchangers coupled to a fluid flow path and configuredto heat at least a portion of blood from the fluid flow path to atemperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius; and

one or more venting modules coupled to the fluid flow path, the one ormore venting modules configured to remove carbon dioxide from at least aportion of the blood.

358. The system of Example 357, wherein the one or more venting modulesare configured to add oxygen to at least a portion of the blood.

359. The system of Example 357, wherein the one or more venting modulesare configured to cause at least a portion of the blood to flow throughat least one membrane.

360. The system of Example 359, wherein the at least one membranecollectively has an effective surface area greater than 1.8 squaremeters.

361. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-360, further comprisingan oxygenator coupled to the fluid flow path, the oxygenator configuredto cause oxygen to be added to at least a portion of the blood.

362. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-361, further comprisinga reintroduction module coupled to the fluid flow path and configured toadd a substance to at least a portion of the blood that facilitates theproduction of reactive oxygen species within the blood.

363. The system of Example 362, wherein the substance comprises a freeradical.

364. The system of Example 362, wherein the substance comprises anunstable sub stance.

365. The system of Example 362, wherein the substance comprises ozone.

366. The system of Example 362, wherein the substance comprises Freon.

367. The system of Example 362, wherein the substance comprises iron.

368. The system of Example 362, wherein the substance comprises copper.

369. The system of Example 362, wherein the substance comprises ozoneand iron.

370. The system of Example 362, wherein the substance comprises ozoneand copper.

371. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-370, wherein the one ormore heat exchangers are configured to heat at least a portion of theblood to a temperature of at least 42.5 degrees Celsius.

372. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-370, wherein the one ormore heat exchangers are configured to heat at least a portion of theblood to a temperature of at least 43 degrees Celsius.

373. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-370, wherein the one ormore heat exchangers are configured to heat at least a portion of theblood to a temperature of at least 43.5 degrees Celsius.

374. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-370, wherein the one ormore heat exchangers are configured to heat at least a portion of theblood to a temperature of at least 44 degrees Celsius.

375. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-370, wherein the one ormore heat exchangers are configured to heat at least a portion of theblood to a temperature of at least 44.5 degrees Celsius.

376. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-370, wherein the one ormore heat exchangers are configured to heat at least a portion of theblood to a temperature of at least 45 degrees Celsius.

377. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-370, wherein the one ormore heat exchangers are configured to heat at least a portion of theblood to a temperature between 42 and 42.5 degrees Celsius.

378. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-370, wherein the one ormore heat exchangers are configured to heat at least a portion of theblood to a temperature between 42 and 43 degrees Celsius.

379. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-370, wherein the one ormore heat exchangers are configured to heat at least a portion of theblood to a temperature between 42 and 43.5 degrees Celsius.

380. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-370, wherein the one ormore heat exchangers are configured to heat at least a portion of theblood to a temperature between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius.

381. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-370, wherein the one ormore heat exchangers are configured to heat at least a portion of theblood to a temperature between 42 and 44.5 degrees Celsius.

382. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-370, wherein the one ormore heat exchangers are configured to heat at least a portion of theblood to a temperature between 42 and 45 degrees Celsius.

383. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-370, wherein the one ormore heat exchangers are configured to heat at least a portion of theblood to a temperature between 42.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

384. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-370, wherein the one ormore heat exchangers are configured to heat at least a portion of theblood to a temperature between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius.

385. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-370, wherein the one ormore heat exchangers are configured to heat at least a portion of theblood to a temperature between 43.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

386. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-370, wherein the one ormore heat exchangers are configured to heat at least a portion of theblood to a temperature between 44 and 45 degrees Celsius.

387. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-370, wherein the one ormore heat exchangers are configured to heat at least a portion of theblood to a temperature between 44.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

388. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-387, further comprisingone or more dialysis modules coupled to the fluid flow path andconfigured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood at acollective rate of at least 0.5 liters per minute.

389. The system of Example 388, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform convection dialysis.

390. The system of Example 388, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform diffusion dialysis.

391. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-390, further comprisinga reintroduction module coupled to the fluid flow path and configured toadd electrolyte-balanced fluid to at least a portion of the blood at arate of at least 7 liters per hour.

392. The system of Example 391, wherein the electrolyte-balanced fluidis at a temperature of at least 35 degrees Celsius.

393. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.55 liters perminute.

394. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.6 liters perminute.

395. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.65 liters perminute.

396. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.7 liters perminute.

397. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.75 liters perminute.

398. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.8 liters perminute.

399. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.85 liters perminute.

400. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.9 liters perminute.

401. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 0.95 liters perminute.

402. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1 liter perminute.

403. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.1 liters perminute.

404. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.2 liters perminute.

405. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.3 liters perminute.

406. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.4 liters perminute.

407. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.5 liters perminute.

408. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.6 liters perminute.

409. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.7 liters perminute.

410. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.8 liters perminute.

411. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 1.9 liters perminute.

412. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2 liters perminute.

413. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.1 liters perminute.

414. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.2 liters perminute.

415. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.3 liters perminute.

416. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.4 liters perminute.

417. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.5 liters perminute.

418. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.6 liters perminute.

419. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.7 liters perminute.

420. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.8 liters perminute.

421. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 2.9 liters perminute.

422. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate of at least 3 liters perminute.

423. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.55 litersper minute.

424. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.6 liters perminute.

425. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.65 litersper minute.

426. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.7 liters perminute.

427. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.75 litersper minute.

428. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.8 liters perminute.

429. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.85 litersper minute.

430. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.9 liters perminute.

431. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 0.95 litersper minute.

432. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1 liters perminute.

433. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.1 liters perminute.

434. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.2 liters perminute.

435. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.3 liters perminute.

436. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.4 liters perminute.

437. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.5 liters perminute.

438. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.6 liters perminute.

439. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.7 liters perminute.

440. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.8 liters perminute.

441. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 1.9 liters perminute.

442. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2 liters perminute.

443. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.1 liters perminute.

444. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.2 liters perminute.

445. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.3 liters perminute.

446. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.4 liters perminute.

447. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.5 liters perminute.

448. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.6 liters perminute.

449. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.7 liters perminute.

450. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.8 liters perminute.

451. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 2.9 liters perminute.

452. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.5 and 3 liters perminute.

453. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.55 and 3 liters perminute.

454. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.6 and 3 liters perminute.

455. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.65 and 3 liters perminute.

456. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.7 and 3 liters perminute.

457. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.75 and 3 liters perminute.

458. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.8 and 3 liters perminute.

459. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.85 and 3 liters perminute.

460. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.9 and 3 liters perminute.

461. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 0.95 and 3 liters perminute.

462. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1 and 3 liters perminute.

463. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.1 and 3 liters perminute.

464. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.2 and 3 liters perminute.

465. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.3 and 3 liters perminute.

466. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.4 and 3 liters perminute.

467. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.5 and 3 liters perminute.

468. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.6 and 3 liters perminute.

469. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.7 and 3 liters perminute.

470. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.8 and 3 liters perminute.

471. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 1.9 and 3 liters perminute.

472. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2 and 3 liters perminute.

473. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.1 and 3 liters perminute.

474. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.2 and 3 liters perminute.

475. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.3 and 3 liters perminute.

476. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.4 and 3 liters perminute.

477. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.5 and 3 liters perminute.

478. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.6 and 3 liters perminute.

479. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.7 and 3 liters perminute.

480. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.8 and 3 liters perminute.

481. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-390, wherein the one ormore dialysis modules are configured to perform dialysis on at least aportion of the blood at a collective rate between 2.9 and 3 liters perminute.

482. One or more of the systems of Examples 388-481, wherein:

the one or more dialysis modules are configured to receive blood at alocation on the fluid flow path downstream from one or more pumps; and

the one or more dialysis modules are configured to cause blood treatedwith dialysis to enter the fluid flow path upstream from the one or morepumps.

483. One or more of the systems of Examples 357-482, further comprisingone or more pumps configured to pump the blood in the fluid flow path ata collective rate of at least 4 liters per minute.

484. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least 4.5 litersper minute.

485. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least 5 litersper minute.

486. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least 5.5 litersper minute.

487. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least 6 litersper minute.

488. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least 6.5 litersper minute.

489. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least 7 litersper minute.

490. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least 7.5 litersper minute.

491. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least 8 litersper minute.

492. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least 8.5 litersper minute.

493. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least 9 litersper minute.

494. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4 and 4.5liters per minute.

495. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4 and 5 litersper minute.

496. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4 and 5.5liters per minute.

497. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4 and 6 litersper minute.

498. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4 and 6.5liters per minute.

499. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4 and 7 litersper minute.

500. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4.5 and 9liters per minute.

501. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 5 and 9 litersper minute.

502. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 5.5 and 9liters per minute.

503. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 6 and 9 litersper minute.

504. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 6.5 and 9liters per minute.

505. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 7 and 9 litersper minute.

506. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 7.5 and 9liters per minute.

507. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 8 and 9 litersper minute.

508. The system of Example 483, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 8.5 and 9liters per minute.

509. A method comprising:

heating at least a portion of blood from a fluid flow path to atemperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius for at least 15 minutes; and

removing carbon dioxide from at least a portion of the blood.

510. The method of Example 509, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 42.5 degrees Celsius.

511. The method of Example 509, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 43 degrees Celsius.

512. The method of Example 509, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 43.5 degrees Celsius.

513. The method of Example 509, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 44 degrees Celsius.

514. The method of Example 509, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 44.5 degrees Celsius.

515. The method of Example 509, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 45 degrees Celsius.

516. The method of Example 509, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 42.5 degrees Celsius.

517. The method of Example 509, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 43 degrees Celsius.

518. The method of Example 509, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 43.5 degrees Celsius.

519. The method of Example 509, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius.

520. The method of Example 509, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 44.5 degrees Celsius.

521. The method of Example 509, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 45 degrees Celsius.

522. The method of Example 509, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

523. The method of Example 509, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius.

524. The method of Example 509, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 43.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

525. The method of Example 509, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 44 and 45 degrees Celsius.

526. The method of Example 509, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 44.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

527. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-526, further comprisingadding oxygen to at least a portion of the blood.

528. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-527, wherein removingcarbon dioxide from at least a portion of the blood comprises causing atleast a portion of the blood to flow through at least one membrane.

529. The method of Example 528, wherein the at least one membranecollectively has an effective surface area greater than 1.8 squaremeters.

530. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-529, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 30minutes.

531. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-529, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 1hour.

532. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-529, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 1.5hours.

533. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-529, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 2hours.

534. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-529, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 2.5hours.

535. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-529, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 3hours.

536. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-529, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 3.5hours.

537. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-529, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 4hours.

538. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-529, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 4.5hours.

539. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-529, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 5hours.

540. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-529, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 5.5hours.

541. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-529, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 6hours.

542. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-529, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 6.5hours.

543. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-529, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 7hours.

544. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-529, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 7.5hours.

545. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-529, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 8hours.

546. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-545, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 30 minutes.

547. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-545, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 1 hour.

548. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-545, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 1.5 hours.

549. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-545, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 2 hours.

550. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-545, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 2.5 hours.

551. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-545, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 3 hours.

552. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-545, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 3.5 hours.

553. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-545, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 4 hours.

554. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-545, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 4.5 hours.

555. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-545, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 5 hours.

556. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-545, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 5.5 hours.

557. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-529, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 6 hours.

558. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-557, further comprisingadding a substance to at least a portion of the blood that facilitatesthe production of reactive oxygen species within the blood.

559. The method of Example 558, wherein the substance comprises a freeradical.

560. The method of Example 558, wherein the substance comprises anunstable sub stance.

561. The method of Example 558, wherein the substance comprises ozone.

562. The method of Example 558, wherein the substance comprises Freon.

563. The method of Example 558, wherein the substance comprises iron.

564. The method of Example 558, wherein the substance comprises copper.

565. The method of Example 558, wherein the substance comprises ozoneand iron.

566. The method of Example 558, wherein the substance comprises ozoneand copper.

567. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-566, further comprisingpumping blood in the fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters perminute.

568. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a rate ofat least 4.5 liters per minute.

569. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a rate ofat least 5 liters per minute.

570. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a rate ofat least 5.5 liters per minute.

571. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a rate ofat least 6 liters per minute.

572. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a rate ofat least 6.5 liters per minute.

573. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a rate ofat least 7 liters per minute.

574. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a rate ofat least 7.5 liters per minute.

575. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a rate ofat least 8 liters per minute.

576. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a rate ofat least 8.5 liters per minute.

577. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a rate ofat least 9 liters per minute.

578. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 4 and 4.5 liters per minute.

579. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 4 and 5 liters per minute.

580. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 4 and 5.5 liters per minute.

581. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 4 and 6 liters per minute.

582. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 4 and 6.5 liters per minute.

583. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 4 and 7 liters per minute.

584. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 4 and 7.5 liters per minute.

585. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 4 and 8 liters per minute.

586. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 4 and 8.5 liters per minute.

587. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 4 and 9 liters per minute.

588. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 4.5 and 9 liters per minute.

589. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 5 and 9 liters per minute.

590. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 5.5 and 9 liters per minute.

591. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 6 and 9 liters per minute.

592. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 6.5 and 9 liters per minute.

593. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 7 and 9 liters per minute.

594. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 7.5 and 9 liters per minute.

595. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 8 and 9 liters per minute.

596. The method of Example 567, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 8.5 and 9 liters per minute.

597. One or more of the methods of Examples 567-596, wherein the bloodis pumped in the fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters perminute for a duration of at least 30 minutes.

598. One or more of the methods of Examples 567-596, wherein the bloodis pumped in the fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters perminute for a duration of at least 2 hours.

599. One or more of the methods of Examples 567-596, wherein the bloodis pumped in the fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters perminute for a duration of at least 3 hours.

600. One or more of the methods of Examples 567-596, wherein the bloodis pumped in the fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters perminute for a duration of at least 4 hours.

601. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-600, further comprisingperforming dialysis on at least a portion of the blood at a rate of atleast 0.5 liters per minute.

602. The method of Example 601, wherein performing dialysis comprisesperforming convection dialysis.

603. The method of Example 601, wherein performing dialysis comprisesperforming diffusion dialysis.

604. One or more of the methods of Examples 509-603, further comprisingadding electrolyte-balanced fluid to at least a portion of the blood ata rate of at least 7 liters per hour.

605. The method of Example 604, wherein the electrolyte-balanced fluidis at a temperature of at least 35 degrees Celsius.

606. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.55 liters per minute.

607. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.6 liters per minute.

608. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.65 liters per minute.

609. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.7 liters per minute.

610. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.75 liters per minute.

611. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.8 liters per minute.

612. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.85 liters per minute.

613. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.9 liters per minute.

614. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 0.95 liters per minute.

615. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1 liter per minute.

616. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.1 liters per minute.

617. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.2 liters per minute.

618. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.3 liters per minute.

619. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.4 liters per minute.

620. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.5 liters per minute.

621. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.6 liters per minute.

622. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.7 liters per minute.

623. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.8 liters per minute.

624. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 1.9 liters per minute.

625. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2 liters per minute.

626. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.1 liters per minute.

627. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.2 liters per minute.

628. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.3 liters per minute.

629. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.4 liters per minute.

630. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.5 liters per minute.

631. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.6 liters per minute.

632. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.7 liters per minute.

633. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.8 liters per minute.

634. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 2.9 liters per minute.

635. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate of at least 3 liters per minute.

636. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.55 liters per minute.

637. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.6 liters per minute.

638. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.65 liters per minute.

639. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.7 liters per minute.

640. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.75 liters per minute.

641. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.8 liters per minute.

642. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.85 liters per minute.

643. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.9 liters per minute.

644. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 0.95 liters per minute.

645. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1 liters per minute.

646. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.1 liters per minute.

647. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.2 liters per minute.

648. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.3 liters per minute.

649. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.4 liters per minute.

650. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.5 liters per minute.

651. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.6 liters per minute.

652. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.7 liters per minute.

653. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.8 liters per minute.

654. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 1.9 liters per minute.

655. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2 liters per minute.

656. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.1 liters per minute.

657. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.2 liters per minute.

658. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.3 liters per minute.

659. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.4 liters per minute.

660. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.5 liters per minute.

661. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.6 liters per minute.

662. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.7 liters per minute.

663. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.8 liters per minute.

664. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 2.9 liters per minute.

665. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.5 and 3 liters per minute.

666. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.55 and 3 liters per minute.

667. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.6 and 3 liters per minute.

668. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.65 and 3 liters per minute.

669. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.7 and 3 liters per minute.

670. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.75 and 3 liters per minute.

671. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.8 and 3 liters per minute.

672. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.85 and 3 liters per minute.

673. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.9 and 3 liters per minute.

674. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 0.95 and 3 liters per minute.

675. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1 and 3 liters per minute.

676. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.1 and 3 liters per minute.

677. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.2 and 3 liters per minute.

678. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.3 and 3 liters per minute.

679. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.4 and 3 liters per minute.

680. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.5 and 3 liters per minute.

681. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.6 and 3 liters per minute.

682. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.7 and 3 liters per minute.

683. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.8 and 3 liters per minute.

684. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 1.9 and 3 liters per minute.

685. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2 and 3 liters per minute.

686. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.1 and 3 liters per minute.

687. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.2 and 3 liters per minute.

688. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.3 and 3 liters per minute.

689. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.4 and 3 liters per minute.

690. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.5 and 3 liters per minute.

691. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.6 and 3 liters per minute.

692. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.7 and 3 liters per minute.

693. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.8 and 3 liters per minute.

694. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-603, wherein thedialysis is performed at a rate between 2.9 and 3 liters per minute.

695. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-694, wherein performingthe dialysis comprises:

receiving at least a portion of the blood at a location on the fluidflow path downstream from one or more pumps; and

causing blood treated with dialysis to enter the fluid flow pathupstream from the one or more pumps.

696. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-695, wherein thedialysis is performed on at least a portion of the blood for a durationof at least 1 hour.

697. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-695, wherein thedialysis is performed on at least a portion of the blood for a durationof at least 2 hours.

698. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-695, wherein thedialysis is performed on at least a portion of the blood for a durationof at least 3 hours.

699. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-695, wherein thedialysis is performed on at least a portion of the blood for a durationof at least 4 hours.

700. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-695, wherein thedialysis is performed on at least a portion of the blood for a durationof at least 5 hours.

701. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-695, wherein thedialysis is performed on at least a portion of the blood for a durationof at least 6 hours.

702. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-695, wherein thedialysis is performed on at least a portion of the blood for a durationof at least 7 hours.

703. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-695, wherein thedialysis is performed on at least a portion of the blood for a durationof at least 8 hours.

704. One or more of the methods of Examples 852-946, wherein thedialysis is performed on at least a portion of the blood for a durationof at least 12 hours.

705. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-695, wherein thedialysis is performed on at least a portion of the blood for a durationof at least 16 hours.

706. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-695, wherein thedialysis is performed on at least a portion of the blood for a durationof at least 24 hours.

707. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-695, wherein thedialysis is performed on at least a portion of the blood for a durationof at least 36 hours.

708. One or more of the methods of Examples 601-695, wherein thedialysis is performed on at least a portion of the blood for a durationof at least 48 hours.

709. A system comprising:

one or more pumps configured to pump blood in a fluid flow path at acollective rate of at least 4 liters per minute; and

one or more heat exchangers coupled to the fluid flow path andconfigured to heat at least a portion of the blood from the fluid flowpath to a temperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius.

710. The system of Example 709, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperatureof at least 42.5 degrees Celsius.

711. The system of Example 709, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperatureof at least 43 degrees Celsius.

712. The system of Example 709, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperatureof at least 43.5 degrees Celsius.

713. The system of Example 709, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperatureof at least 44 degrees Celsius.

714. The system of Example 709, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperatureof at least 44.5 degrees Celsius.

715. The system of Example 709, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperatureof at least 45 degrees Celsius.

716. The system of Example 709, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 42 and 42.5 degrees Celsius.

717. The system of Example 709, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 42 and 43 degrees Celsius.

718. The system of Example 709, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 42 and 43.5 degrees Celsius.

719. The system of Example 709, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 42 and 44 degrees Celsius.

720. The system of Example 709, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 42 and 44.5 degrees Celsius.

721. The system of Example 709, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 42 and 45 degrees Celsius.

722. The system of Example 709, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 42.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

723. The system of Example 709, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 43 and 45 degrees Celsius.

724. The system of Example 709, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 43.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

725. The system of Example 709, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 44 and 45 degrees Celsius.

726. The system of Example 709, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperaturebetween 44.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

727. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of atleast 4.5 liters per minute.

728. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of atleast 5 liters per minute.

729. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of atleast 5.5 liters per minute.

730. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of atleast 6 liters per minute.

731. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of atleast 6.5 liters per minute.

732. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of atleast 7 liters per minute.

733. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of atleast 7.5 liters per minute.

734. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of atleast 8 liters per minute.

735. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of atleast 8.5 liters per minute.

736. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate of atleast 9 liters per minute.

737. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between4 and 4.5 liters per minute.

738. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between4 and 5 liters per minute.

739. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between4 and 5.5 liters per minute.

740. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between4 and 6 liters per minute.

741. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between4 and 6.5 liters per minute.

742. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between4 and 7 liters per minute.

743. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between4 and 7.5 liters per minute.

744. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between4 and 8 liters per minute.

745. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between4 and 8.5 liters per minute.

746. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between4 and 9 liters per minute.

747. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between4.5 and 9 liters per minute.

748. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between5 and 9 liters per minute.

749. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between5.5 and 9 liters per minute.

750. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between6 and 9 liters per minute.

751. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between6.5 and 9 liters per minute.

752. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between7 and 9 liters per minute.

753. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between7.5 and 9 liters per minute.

754. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between8 and 9 liters per minute.

755. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-726, wherein the one ormore pumps are configured to pump the blood at a collective rate between8.5 and 9 liters per minute.

756. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-755, further comprisingone or more venting modules coupled to the fluid flow path, the one ormore venting modules configured to remove carbon dioxide from at least aportion of the blood.

757. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-756, wherein the one ormore venting modules are configured to add oxygen to at least a portionof the blood.

758. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-756, wherein the one ormore venting modules are configured to cause the blood to flow throughat least one membrane.

759. The system of Example 758, wherein the at least one membranecollectively has an effective surface area greater than 1.8 squaremeters.

760. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-759, further comprisingan oxygenator coupled to the fluid flow path, the oxygenator configuredto cause oxygen to be added to at least a portion of the blood.

761. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-760, further comprisinga reintroduction module coupled to the fluid flow path and configured toadd a substance to at least a portion of the blood that facilitates theproduction of reactive oxygen species within the blood.

762. The system of Example 761, wherein the substance comprises a freeradical.

763. The system of Example 761, wherein the substance comprises anunstable sub stance.

764. The system of Example 761, wherein the substance comprises ozone.

765. The system of Example 761, wherein the substance comprises Freon.

766. The system of Example 761, wherein the substance comprises iron.

767. The system of Example 761, wherein the substance comprises copper.

768. The system of Example 761, wherein the substance comprises ozoneand iron.

769. The system of Example 761, wherein the substance comprises ozoneand copper.

770. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-769, further comprisingone or more dialysis modules coupled to the fluid flow path andconfigured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood at acollective rate of at least 0.5 liters per minute.

771. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform convection dialysis.

772. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform diffusion dialysis.

773. One or more of the systems of Examples 709-772, further comprisinga reintroduction module coupled to the fluid flow path and configured toadd electrolyte-balanced fluid to at least a portion of the blood at arate of at least 7 liters per hour.

774. The system of Example 773, wherein the electrolyte-balanced fluidis at a temperature of at least 35 degrees Celsius.

775. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate of at least 0.55 liters per minute.

776. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate of at least 0.6 liters per minute.

777. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate of at least 0.65 liters per minute.

778. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate of at least 0.7 liters per minute.

779. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate of at least 0.75 liters per minute.

780. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate of at least 0.8 liters per minute.

781. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate of at least 0.85 liters per minute.

782. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate of at least 0.9 liters per minute.

783. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate of at least 0.95 liters per minute.

784. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate of at least 1 liter per minute.

785. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.5 and 0.55 liters per minute.

786. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.5 and 0.6 liters per minute.

787. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.5 and 0.65 liters per minute.

788. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.5 and 0.7 liters per minute.

789. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.5 and 0.75 liters per minute.

790. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.5 and 0.8 liters per minute.

791. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.5 and 0.85 liters per minute.

792. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.5 and 0.9 liters per minute.

793. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.5 and 0.95 liters per minute.

794. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.5 and 1 liters per minute.

795. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.55 and 1 liters per minute.

796. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.6 and 1 liters per minute.

797. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.65 and 1 liters per minute.

798. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.7 and 1 liters per minute.

799. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.75 and 1 liters per minute.

800. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.8 and 1 liters per minute.

801. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.85 and 1 liters per minute.

802. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.9 and 1 liters per minute.

803. The system of Example 770, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate between 0.95 and 1 liters per minute.

804. One or more of the systems of Examples 770-803, wherein:

the one or more dialysis modules are configured to receive at least aportion of the blood at a location on the fluid flow path downstreamfrom the one or more pumps; and

the one or more dialysis modules are configured to cause blood treatedwith dialysis to enter the fluid flow path upstream from the one or morepumps.

805. A method comprising:

pumping blood in a fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters perminute; and

heating at least a portion of the blood from the fluid flow path to atemperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius for at least 15 minutes.

806. The method of Example 805, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 42.5 degrees Celsius.

807. The method of Example 805, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 43 degrees Celsius.

808. The method of Example 805, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 43.5 degrees Celsius.

809. The method of Example 805, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 44 degrees Celsius.

810. The method of Example 805, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 44.5 degrees Celsius.

811. The method of Example 805, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature of at least 45 degrees Celsius.

812. The method of Example 805, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 42.5 degrees Celsius.

813. The method of Example 805, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 43 degrees Celsius.

814. The method of Example 805, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 43.5 degrees Celsius.

815. The method of Example 805, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius.

816. The method of Example 805, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 44.5 degrees Celsius.

817. The method of Example 805, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42 and 45 degrees Celsius.

818. The method of Example 805, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 42.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

819. The method of Example 805, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius.

820. The method of Example 805, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 43.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

821. The method of Example 805, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 44 and 45 degrees Celsius.

822. The method of Example 805, wherein at least a portion of the bloodis heated to a temperature between 44.5 and 45 degrees Celsius.

823. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 4.5 liters per minute.

824. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 5 liters per minute.

825. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 5.5 liters per minute.

826. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 6 liters per minute.

827. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 6.5 liters per minute.

828. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 7 liters per minute.

829. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 7.5 liters per minute.

830. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 8 liters per minute.

831. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 8.5 liters per minute.

832. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate of at least 9 liters per minute.

833. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 4.5 liters per minute.

834. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 5 liters per minute.

835. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 5.5 liters per minute.

836. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 6 liters per minute.

837. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 6.5 liters per minute.

838. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 7 liters per minute.

839. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 7.5 liters per minute.

840. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 8 liters per minute.

841. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 8.5 liters per minute.

842. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4 and 9 liters per minute.

843. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 4.5 and 9 liters per minute.

844. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 5 and 9 liters per minute.

845. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 5.5 and 9 liters per minute.

846. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 6 and 9 liters per minute.

847. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 6.5 and 9 liters per minute.

848. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 7 and 9 liters per minute.

849. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 7.5 and 9 liters per minute.

850. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 8 and 9 liters per minute.

851. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-822, wherein the bloodis pumped at a rate between 8.5 and 9 liters per minute.

852. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-851, further comprisingperforming dialysis on at least a portion of the blood at a rate of atleast 0.5 liters per minute.

853. The method of Example 852, wherein performing dialysis comprisesperforming convection dialysis.

854. The method of Example 852, wherein performing dialysis comprisesperforming diffusion dialysis.

855. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-854, further comprisingadding electrolyte-balanced fluid to at least a portion of the blood ata rate of at least 7 liters per hour.

856. The method of Example 855, wherein the electrolyte-balanced fluidis at a temperature of at least 35 degrees Celsius.

857. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 0.55 liters per minute.

858. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 0.6 liters per minute.

859. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 0.65 liters per minute.

860. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 0.7 liters per minute.

861. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 0.75 liters per minute.

862. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 0.8 liters per minute.

863. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 0.85 liters per minute.

864. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 0.9 liters per minute.

865. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 0.95 liters per minute.

866. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 1 liter per minute.

867. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 1.1 liters per minute.

868. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 1.2 liters per minute.

869. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 1.3 liters per minute.

870. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 1.4 liters per minute.

871. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 1.5 liters per minute.

872. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 1.6 liters per minute.

873. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 1.7 liters per minute.

874. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 1.8 liters per minute.

875. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 1.9 liters per minute.

876. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 2 liters per minute.

877. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 2.1 liters per minute.

878. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 2.2 liters per minute.

879. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 2.3 liters per minute.

880. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 2.4 liters per minute.

881. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 2.5 liters per minute.

882. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 2.6 liters per minute.

883. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 2.7 liters per minute.

884. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 2.8 liters per minute.

885. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 2.9 liters per minute.

886. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate of at least 3 liters per minute.

887. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 0.55 liters per minute.

888. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 0.6 liters per minute.

889. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 0.65 liters per minute.

890. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 0.7 liters per minute.

891. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 0.75 liters per minute.

892. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 0.8 liters per minute.

893. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 0.85 liters per minute.

894. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 0.9 liters per minute.

895. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 0.95 liters per minute.

896. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 1 liters per minute.

897. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 1.1 liters per minute.

898. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 1.2 liters per minute.

899. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 1.3 liters per minute.

900. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 1.4 liters per minute.

901. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 1.5 liters per minute.

902. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 1.6 liters per minute.

903. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 1.7 liters per minute.

904. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 1.8 liters per minute.

905. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 1.9 liters per minute.

906. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 2 liters per minute.

907. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 2.1 liters per minute.

908. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 2.2 liters per minute.

909. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 2.3 liters per minute.

910. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 2.4 liters per minute.

911. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 2.5 liters per minute.

912. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 2.6 liters per minute.

913. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 2.7 liters per minute.

914. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 2.8 liters per minute.

915. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 2.9 liters per minute.

916. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.5 and 3 liters per minute.

917. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.55 and 3 liters per minute.

918. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.6 and 3 liters per minute.

919. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.65 and 3 liters per minute.

920. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.7 and 3 liters per minute.

921. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.75 and 3 liters per minute.

922. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.8 and 3 liters per minute.

923. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.85 and 3 liters per minute.

924. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.9 and 3 liters per minute.

925. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 0.95 and 3 liters per minute.

926. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 1 and 3 liters per minute.

927. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 1.1 and 3 liters per minute.

928. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 1.2 and 3 liters per minute.

929. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 1.3 and 3 liters per minute.

930. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 1.4 and 3 liters per minute.

931. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 1.5 and 3 liters per minute.

932. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 1.6 and 3 liters per minute.

933. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 1.7 and 3 liters per minute.

934. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 1.8 and 3 liters per minute.

935. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 1.9 and 3 liters per minute.

936. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 2 and 3 liters per minute.

937. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 2.1 and 3 liters per minute.

938. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 2.2 and 3 liters per minute.

939. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 2.3 and 3 liters per minute.

940. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 2.4 and 3 liters per minute.

941. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 2.5 and 3 liters per minute.

942. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 2.6 and 3 liters per minute.

943. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 2.7 and 3 liters per minute.

944. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 2.8 and 3 liters per minute.

945. The method of Example 852, wherein the dialysis is performed at arate between 2.9 and 3 liters per minute.

946. One or more of the methods of Examples 852-945, wherein performingthe dialysis comprises:

receiving at least a portion of the blood at a location on the fluidflow path downstream from one or more pumps; and

causing blood treated with dialysis to enter the fluid flow pathupstream from the one or more pumps.

947. One or more of the methods of Examples 852-946, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 1 hour.

948. One or more of the methods of Examples 852-946, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 2 hours.

949. One or more of the methods of Examples 852-946, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 3 hours.

950. One or more of the methods of Examples 852-946, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 4 hours.

951. One or more of the methods of Examples 852-946, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 5 hours.

952. One or more of the methods of Examples 852-946, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 6 hours.

953. One or more of the methods of Examples 852-946, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 7 hours.

954. One or more of the methods of Examples 852-946, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 8 hours.

955. One or more of the methods of Examples 852-946, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 12 hours.

956. One or more of the methods of Examples 852-946, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 16 hours.

957. One or more of the methods of Examples 852-946, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 24 hours.

958. One or more of the methods of Examples 852-946, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 36 hours.

959. One or more of the methods of Examples 852-946, wherein thedialysis is performed on the blood for a duration of at least 48 hours.

960. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-959, further comprisingremoving carbon dioxide from at least a portion of the blood.

961. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-960, further comprisingadding oxygen to at least a portion of the blood.

962. The method of Example 960, wherein removing carbon dioxide from atleast a portion of the blood comprises causing the blood to flow throughat least one membrane.

963. The method of Example 949, wherein the at least one membranecollectively has an effective surface area greater than 1.8 squaremeters.

964. One or more of the methods of Examples 960-963, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 30minutes.

965. One or more of the methods of Examples 960-963, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 1hour.

966. One or more of the methods of Examples 960-963, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 1.5hours.

967. One or more of the methods of Examples 960-963, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 2hours.

968. One or more of the methods of Examples 960-963, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 2.5hours.

969. One or more of the methods of Examples 960-963, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 3hours.

970. One or more of the methods of Examples 960-963, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 3.5hours.

971. One or more of the methods of Examples 960-963, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 4hours.

972. One or more of the methods of Examples 960-963, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 4.5hours.

973. One or more of the methods of Examples 960-963, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 5hours.

974. One or more of the methods of Examples 960-963, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 5.5hours.

975. One or more of the methods of Examples 960-963, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 6hours.

976. One or more of the methods of Examples 960-963, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 6.5hours.

977. One or more of the methods of Examples 960-963, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 7hours.

978. One or more of the methods of Examples 960-963, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 7.5hours.

979. One or more of the methods of Examples 960-963, wherein carbondioxide is removed from at least a portion of the blood for at least 8hours.

980. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-979, further comprisingadding a substance to at least a portion of the blood that facilitatesthe production of reactive oxygen species within the blood.

981. The method of Example 980, wherein the substance comprises a freeradical.

982. The method of Example 980, wherein the substance comprises anunstable substance.

983. The method of Example 980, wherein the substance comprises ozone.

984. The method of Example 980, wherein the substance comprises Freon.

985. The method of Example 980, wherein the substance comprises iron.

986. The method of Example 980, wherein the substance comprises copper.

987. The method of Example 980, wherein the substance comprises ozoneand iron.

988. The method of Example 980, wherein the substance comprises ozoneand copper.

989. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-988, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 30 minutes.

990. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-988, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 1 hour.

991. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-988, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 1.5 hours.

992. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-988, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 2 hours.

993. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-988, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 2.5 hours.

994. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-988, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 3 hours.

995. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-988, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 3.5 hours.

996. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-988, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 4 hours.

997. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-988, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 4.5 hours.

998. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-988, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 5 hours.

999. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-988, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 5.5 hours.

1000. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-988, wherein at least aportion of the blood is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 6 hours.

1001. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-1000, wherein the bloodis pumped in the fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters perminute for a duration of at least 30 minutes.

1002. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-1000, wherein the bloodis pumped in the fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters perminute for a duration of at least 2 hours.

1003. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-1000, wherein the bloodis pumped in the fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters perminute for a duration of at least 3 hours.

1004. One or more of the methods of Examples 805-1000, wherein the bloodis pumped in the fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters perminute for a duration of at least 4 hours.

The following is another numbered list of examples identifyingparticular combinations of the techniques disclosed above. The presentdisclosure is not limited to the following combinations as the followingcombinations are only examples. The techniques and options discussedabove can be combined in any suitable manner.

Further Examples

1. A system comprising:

one or more pumps configured to draw blood from a patient into a fluidflow path at a rate above 4 liters per minute; and

one or more heat exchangers coupled to the fluid flow path andconfigured to heat the blood to a temperature above 42 degrees Celsiusand below 43.8 degrees Celsius, wherein the one or more heat exchangersuse a liquid or gas fluid pumped at a rate of at least 1 gallon perminute. Any of the temperature ranges described in the presentdisclosure could be used. Any of the flow rates described in the presentdisclosure could be used.

2. The system of Example 1, wherein the one or more pumps are configuredto draw blood from the patient into the fluid flow path at a rate equalto or above 5 liters per minute and equal to or below 7 liters perminute. The rate could be an instantaneous rate or an average rate. Therate could be sustained for a continuous or intermittent time period ofany of the lengths described in the present disclosure.

3. The system of Example 1, further comprising one or more convectiondialysis modules configured to perform convection dialysis on at least aportion of the blood.

4. The system of Example 1, wherein the one or more heat exchangers areconfigured to heat the blood to a temperature above 42 degrees Celsiusand below 43.8 degrees Celsius for a period between 2 and 6 hours. Anyof the temperature ranges described in the present disclosure could beused.

5. The system of Example 1, further comprising one or more supportsystem modules configured to allow anesthesia to be administered to thepatient such that the ability of the patient's brain to control thetemperature of the body is substantially impaired.

6. The system of Example 1, further comprising one or morereintroduction system modules configured to allow one or more chemicalsor nutrients to be added to at least a portion of the blood. Any of therates described in the present disclosure regarding introducingchemicals or nutrients could be used.

7. The system of Example 1, further comprising one or more oxygenatorsconfigured to add oxygen to at least a portion of the blood. Any of therates described in the present disclosure regarding introducingchemicals or nutrients could be used.

8. The system of Example 1, further comprising, one or more ventingdevices configured to remove carbon dioxide from at least a portion ofthe blood.

9. The system of Example 1, wherein the one or more heat exchangers areconfigured to heat the blood to a temperature above 42 degrees Celsiusand below 43.8 degrees Celsius for a period greater than 1 hour.

10. A system comprising:

one or more pumps configured to draw blood from a patient into a fluidflow path at a rate above 4 liters per minute;

one or more heat exchangers coupled to the fluid flow path andconfigured to heat the blood to a temperature above 42 degrees Celsiusand below 43.8 degrees Celsius; and one or more venting modulesconfigured to remove carbon dioxide from at least a portion of the bloodby causing the blood to flow through a membrane while passing a gas overthe membrane. Any of the temperature ranges described in the presentdisclosure could be used. Any of the flow rates described in the presentdisclosure could be used.

11. The system of Example 10, wherein the heat exchanger is configuredto circulate a heated fluid at a rate above 1 gallon per minute.

12. The system of Example 10, wherein the one or more venting modulesare configured to add oxygen to at least a portion of the blood at afirst rate at a first time and at a second rate at a second time. Any ofthe rates of adding oxygen to at least a portion of the blood describedin the present disclosure could be used.

13. A method comprising:

pumping blood in a fluid flow path at a rate above 4 liters per minute;and

heating the blood to a temperature above 42 degrees Celsius and below43.8 degrees Celsius using a heated fluid. Any of the temperature rangesdescribed in the present disclosure could be used. Any of the flow ratesassociated with the blood described in the present disclosure could beused. Any of the flow rates associated with the heated fluid describedin the present disclosure could be used.

14. The method of Example 13, further comprising drawing the blood fromthe patient into the fluid flow path at a rate equal to or above 5liters per minute and equal to or below 7 liters per minute. The ratecould be an instantaneous rate or an average rate. The rate could besustained for a continuous or intermittent time period of any of thelengths described in the present disclosure.

15. The method of Example 13, further comprising administeringanesthesia to the patient such that the ability of the patient's brainto control the temperature of the body is substantially impaired.

16. The method of Example 13, further comprising adding oxygen to atleast a portion of the blood. Any of the rates of adding oxygen to theblood described in the present disclosure could be used.

17. The method of Example 16, wherein:

adding oxygen to at least a portion of the blood comprises adding oxygento at least a portion of the blood at a first rate at a first time andat a second rate at a second time;

the second time occurs after the first time; and

the second time beginning at least thirty minutes after heating theblood.

18. A method of treating blood outside of a body of a patient,comprising:

circulating blood through a fluid flow path at a rate above 4 liters perminute for at least one hour;

heating the blood to a temperature above 42 degrees Celsius and below43.8 degrees Celsius; and

adding chemicals or nutrients to the blood at a rate of at least 7liters per hour. Any of the temperature ranges described in the presentdisclosure could be used. Any of the blood flow rates described in thepresent disclosure could be used.

19. The method of Example 18, further comprising drawing the blood fromthe patient into the fluid flow path at a rate equal to or above 5liters per minute and equal to or below 7 liters per minute. The ratecould be an instantaneous rate or an average rate. The rate could besustained for a continuous or intermittent time period of any of thelengths described in the present disclosure.

20. A method of treating blood outside of a body of a patient,comprising:

heating blood in a fluid flow path to a temperature above 42 degreesCelsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius using a heated fluid pumped at arate of at least one gallon per minute; and

performing convection dialysis on at least a portion of the blood. Anyof the temperature ranges described in the present disclosure could beused.

21. The method of Example 21, further comprising:

ceasing to heat the blood in the fluid flow path; and

after ceasing to heat the blood, continuing to perform convectiondialysis on at least a portion of the blood.

22. A method of treating blood outside of a body of a patient,comprising:

heating blood in a fluid flow path to a temperature above 42 degreesCelsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius;

removing carbon dioxide from at least a portion of the blood using oneor more venting modules; and

adding oxygen to at least a portion of the blood at a first rate duringa first time period and at a second rate during a second time period.Any of the temperature ranges described in the present disclosure couldbe used.

23. A method of treating blood outside of a body of a patient,comprising:

heating blood in a fluid flow path to a temperature above 42 degreesCelsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius; and

adding oxygen to at least a portion of the blood using one or moreoxygenators at a first rate during a first time period and at a secondrate during a second time period. Any of the temperature rangesdescribed in the present disclosure could be used.

24. A system for treating blood outside of a body of a patient,comprising:

a fluid flow path located outside of a body of a patient;

one or more pumps configured to circulate the blood in the fluid flowpath at a rate above 4 liters per minute; and

one or more heat exchangers coupled to the fluid flow path andconfigured to heat the blood to a temperature above 42 degrees Celsiusand below 43.8 degrees Celsius using a heated fluid pumped at a rate ofat least one gallon per minute. Any of the temperature ranges describedin the present disclosure could be used. Any of the flow rates describedin the present disclosure could be used.

25. The system of Example 24, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to circulate the blood in the fluid flow path at a rate equalto or above 5 liters per minute and equal to or below 7 liters perminute. The rate could be an instantaneous rate or an average rate. Therate could be sustained for a continuous or intermittent time period ofany of the lengths described in the present disclosure.

26. A method of treating blood outside of a body of a patient,comprising:

heating blood in a fluid flow path to a temperature above 42 degreesCelsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius using a heated fluid pumped at arate of at least one gallon per minute;

performing convection dialysis on at least a portion of the blood; and

administering medication configured to treat edema. Any of thetemperature ranges described in the present disclosure could be used.

27. A system comprising:

one or more pumps configured to draw blood from a patient into a fluidflow path at a rate above 4 liters per minute;

one or more heat exchangers coupled to the fluid flow path andconfigured to heat the blood to a temperature above 42 degrees Celsiusand below 43.8 degrees Celsius, at least one of the one or more heatexchangers comprising channels formed from a block of solid material;and

one or more venting modules configured to remove carbon dioxide from atleast a portion of the blood by causing the blood to flow through amembrane while passing a gas over the membrane. Any of the temperatureranges described in the present disclosure could be used. Any of theflow rates described in the present disclosure could be used.

28. A system comprising:

one or more pumps configured to draw blood from a patient into a fluidflow path at a rate above 4 liters per minute;

at least two heat exchangers arranged in parallel coupled to the fluidflow path and configured to heat the blood to a temperature above 42degrees Celsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius; and

one or more venting modules configured to remove carbon dioxide from atleast a portion of the blood by causing the blood to flow through amembrane while passing a gas over the membrane. Any of the temperatureranges described in the present disclosure could be used. Any of theflow rates described in the present disclosure could be used.

29. A system comprising:

one or more pumps configured to draw blood from a patient into a fluidflow path at a rate above 4 liters per minute;

at least two heat exchangers arranged in series coupled to the fluidflow path and configured to heat the blood to a temperature above 42degrees Celsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius; and

one or more venting modules configured to remove carbon dioxide from atleast a portion of the blood by causing the blood to flow through amembrane while passing a gas over the membrane. Any of the temperatureranges described in the present disclosure could be used. Any of theflow rates described in the present disclosure could be used.

30. A system comprising:

one or more pumps configured to draw blood from a patient into a fluidflow path at a rate above 4 liters per minute;

a heat exchanger coupled to the fluid flow path and configured to heatthe blood to a temperature above 42 degrees Celsius and below 43.8degrees Celsius, the heat exchanger comprising a membrane with aneffective surface area greater than 1.8 square meters.

Any of the temperature ranges described in the present disclosure couldbe used. Any of the flow rates described in the present disclosure couldbe used.

31. A method of treating blood outside of a body of a patient,comprising:

heating blood in a fluid flow path to a temperature above 42 degreesCelsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius using a heated fluid pumped at arate of at least one gallon per minute;

removing carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide by causing the blood to flowthrough a membrane while passing a gas over the membrane; and

administering a free radical or unstable substance to the blood thatfacilitates the production of reactive oxygen species within the blood.Any of the temperature ranges described in the present disclosure couldbe used. Any amount of the substance that facilitates the production ofreactive oxygen species within the blood described in the presentdisclosure could be used.

32. The method of Example 31, wherein the free radical or unstablesubstance that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood comprises ozone.

33. The method of Example 31, wherein the free radical or unstablesubstance that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood comprises Freon.

34. The method of Example 31, further comprising removing carbonmonoxide from the blood by causing the blood to flow through a membranewhile passing a gas over the membrane.

35. The method of Example 31, wherein the free radical or unstablesubstance that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood comprises iron.

36. The method of Example 31, wherein the free radical or unstablesubstance that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood comprises copper.

37. The method of Example 31, wherein administering the free radical orunstable substance to the blood that facilitates the production ofreactive oxygen species within the blood comprises administering acombination of substances, the combination of substances comprisingozone and iron.

38. The method of Example 31, wherein administering the free radical orunstable substance to the blood that facilitates the production ofreactive oxygen species within the blood comprises administering acombination of substances, the combination of substances comprisingozone and copper.

39. A system comprising:

one or more pumps configured to draw blood from a patient into a fluidflow path at a rate above 4 liters per minute;

one or more heat exchangers coupled to the fluid flow path andconfigured to heat the blood to a temperature above 42 degrees Celsiusand below 43.8 degrees Celsius, at least one of the one or more heatexchangers comprising channels formed from a block of solid material;and

one or more modules configured to administer a free radical or unstablesubstance to the blood that facilitates the production of reactiveoxygen species within the blood. Any of the temperature ranges describedin the present disclosure could be used. Any amount of the substancethat facilitates the production of reactive oxygen species within theblood described in the present disclosure could be used.

40. The system of Example 39, wherein the free radical or unstablesubstance that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood comprises ozone.

41. The system of Example 39, wherein the free radical or unstablesubstance that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood comprises Freon.

42. The system of Example 39, further comprising one or more ventingmodules configured to remove carbon monoxide from the blood by causingthe blood to flow through a membrane while passing a gas over themembrane.

43. The system of Example 39, wherein the free radical or unstablesubstance that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood comprises iron.

44. The system of Example 39, wherein the free radical or unstablesubstance that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood comprises copper.

45. The system of Example 39, wherein the one or more modules configuredto administer the free radical or unstable substance to the blood thatfacilitates the production of reactive oxygen species within the bloodcomprises the one or more modules configured to administer a combinationof substances, the combination of substances comprising ozone and iron.

46. The system of Example 39, wherein the one or more modules configuredto administer the free radical or unstable substance to the blood thatfacilitates the production of reactive oxygen species within the bloodcomprises the one or more modules configured to administer a combinationof substances, the combination of substances comprising ozone andcopper.

47. A system comprising:

one or more pumps configured to draw blood from a patient into a fluidflow path at a rate above 4 liters per minute;

at least two heat exchangers arranged in parallel coupled to the fluidflow path and configured to heat the blood to a temperature above 42degrees Celsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius; and

one or more modules configured to administer a free radical or unstablesubstance to the blood that facilitates the production of reactiveoxygen species within the blood.

Any of the temperature ranges described in the present disclosure couldbe used. Any amount of the substance that facilitates the production ofreactive oxygen species within the blood described in the presentdisclosure could be used.

48. The system of Example 47, wherein the free radical or unstablesubstance that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood comprises ozone.

49. The system of Example 47, wherein the free radical or unstablesubstance that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood comprises Freon.

50. The system of Example 47, further comprising one or more ventingmodules configured to remove carbon monoxide from the blood by causingthe blood to flow through a membrane while passing a gas over themembrane.

51. The system of Example 47, wherein the free radical or unstablesubstance that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood comprises iron.

52. The system of Example 47, wherein the free radical or unstablesubstance that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood comprises copper.

53. The system of Example 47, wherein the one or more modules configuredto administer the free radical or unstable substance to the blood thatfacilitates the production of reactive oxygen species within the bloodcomprises the one or more modules configured to administer a combinationof substances, the combination of substances comprising ozone and iron.

54. The system of Example 47, wherein the one or more modules configuredto administer the free radical or unstable substance to the blood thatfacilitates the production of reactive oxygen species within the bloodcomprises the one or more modules configured to administer a combinationof substances, the combination of substances comprising ozone andcopper.

55. A system comprising:

one or more pumps configured to draw blood from a patient into a fluidflow path at a rate above 4 liters per minute;

at least two heat exchangers arranged in series coupled to the fluidflow path and configured to heat the blood to a temperature above 42degrees Celsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius; and

one or more modules configured to administer a free radical or unstablesubstance to the blood that facilitates the production of reactiveoxygen species within the blood. Any of the temperature ranges describedin the present disclosure could be used. Any amount of the substancethat facilitates the production of reactive oxygen species within theblood described in the present disclosure could be used.

56. The system of Example 55, wherein the free radical or unstablesubstance that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood comprises ozone.

57. The system of Example 55, wherein the free radical or unstablesubstance that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood comprises Freon.

58. The system of Example 55, further comprising one or more ventingmodules configured to remove carbon monoxide from the blood by causingthe blood to flow through a membrane while passing a gas over themembrane.

59. The system of Example 55, wherein the free radical or unstablesubstance that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood comprises iron.

60. The system of Example 55, wherein the free radical or unstablesubstance that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood comprises copper.

61. The system of Example 55, wherein the one or more modules configuredto administer the free radical or unstable substance to the blood thatfacilitates the production of reactive oxygen species within the bloodcomprises the one or more modules configured to administer a combinationof substances, the combination of substances comprising ozone and iron.

62. The system of Example 55, wherein the one or more modules configuredto administer the free radical or unstable substance to the blood thatfacilitates the production of reactive oxygen species within the bloodcomprises the one or more modules configured to administer a combinationof substances, the combination of substances comprising ozone andcopper.

63. A system comprising:

one or more pumps configured to draw blood from a patient into a fluidflow path at a rate above 4 liters per minute;

a heat exchanger coupled to the fluid flow path and configured to heatthe blood to a temperature above 42 degrees Celsius and below 43.8degrees Celsius, the heat exchanger comprising having an effectivesurface area greater than or equal to six square inches.

Any of the temperature ranges described in the present disclosure couldbe used. Any of the flow rates described in the present disclosure couldbe used.

64. Apparatus for treating blood outside of a body of a patient,comprising:

one or more heat exchangers configured to be coupled to a fluid flowpath located outside of a body of a patient and configured to heat bloodin the fluid flow path circulating at a rate above 4 liters per minuteto a temperature above 42 degrees Celsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsiususing a heated fluid pumped at a rate of at least one gallon per minute.

65. Apparatus for treating blood outside of a body of a patient,comprising:

one or more modules configured to administer a free radical or unstablesubstance to blood circulating in a fluid flow path located outside thebody of a patient, the blood circulating in at least part of the fluidflow path at a rate above 4 liters per minute and at a temperature above42 degrees Celsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius, the free radical orunstable substance facilitating the production of reactive oxygenspecies within the blood.

66. Apparatus for treating blood outside of a body of a patient,comprising:

one or more venting modules configured to remove carbon dioxide fromblood circulating in a fluid flow path located outside the body of apatient by causing the blood to flow through a membrane while passing agas over the membrane, the blood circulating in at least part of thefluid flow path at a rate above 4 liters per minute and at a temperatureabove 42 degrees Celsius and below 43.8 degrees Celsius.

67. The system of Example 47, wherein the free radical or unstablesubstance that facilitates the production of reactive oxygen specieswithin the blood comprises a chemotherapeutic agent.

68. A system comprising:

one or more pumps configured to draw blood from a patient into a fluidflow path at a rate above 4 liters per minute; and

one or more dialysis modules coupled to the fluid flow path andconfigured to treat at least a portion of the blood at a rate of atleast 0.5 liters per minute.

69. The system of Example 68, where in the one more dialysis modules areconfigured to perform convection dialysis.

70. The system of Example 68, where in the one more dialysis modules areconfigured to perform diffusion dialysis.

71. The system of Example 68, wherein:

the one or more pumps comprise a first side, the first side configuredto draw blood from the patient;

the one or more pumps comprise a second side, the second side configuredto cause blood to return to the patent;

the one or more dialysis modules are configured to receive the portionof the blood from the second side of the pump; and

the one or more dialysis modules are configured to cause treated bloodto enter the first side of the one or more pumps.

72. The system of Example 68, wherein the one or more dialysis modulesare configured to treat the portion of the blood at a rate of at least0.9 liters per minute.

73. The system of Example 68, further comprising one or morereintroduction modules configured to add chemicals or nutrients to theblood at a rate of at least 6.5 liters per hour.

74. A system comprising:

one or more pumps configured to draw blood from a patient into a fluidflow path at a rate above 4 liters per minute;

one or more venting modules configured to remove carbon dioxide from atleast a portion of the blood by causing the blood to flow through amembrane while passing a gas over the membrane. Any of the flow rates ofthe venting modules described in the present disclosure could be used.

75. The system of Example 74, wherein the one or more venting modulesare further configured to add oxygen to at least a portion of the blood.The following is another numbered list of examples identifyingparticular combinations of the techniques disclosed above. The presentdisclosure is not limited to the following combinations as the followingcombinations are only examples. The techniques and options discussedabove can be combined in any suitable manner.

Further Examples

1. A system comprising:

one or more pumps configured to pump blood in a fluid flow path at acollective rate of at least 4 liters per minute; and

one or more dialysis modules coupled to the fluid flow path andconfigured to perform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood at acollective rate of at least 0.5 liters per minute.

2. The system of Example 1, wherein the one or more dialysis modules areconfigured to perform convection dialysis.

3. The system of Example 1, wherein the one or more dialysis modules areconfigured to perform diffusion dialysis.

4. The system of Example 1, wherein the one or more pumps are configuredto pump the blood at a collective rate of at least 5 liters per minute.

5. The system of Example 1, wherein the one or more pumps are configuredto pump the blood at a collective rate between 4 and 7 liters perminute.

6. The system of Example 1, wherein the one or more dialysis modules areconfigured to perform the dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate of at least 0.6 liters per minute.

7. The system of Example 1, wherein the one or more dialysis modules areconfigured to perform the dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate of at least 1 liter per minute.

8. The system of Example 1, wherein the one or more dialysis modules areconfigured to perform the dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate of at least 1.5 liters per minute.

9. The system of Example 1, wherein the one or more dialysis modules areconfigured to perform the dialysis on at least a portion of the blood ata collective rate of between 0.6 to 1.5 liters per minute.

10. The system of Example 1, further comprising one or more heatexchangers coupled to the fluid flow path and configured to heat theblood to a temperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius.

11. The system of Example 10, further comprising one or more ventingmodules coupled to the fluid flow path, the one or more venting modulesconfigured to remove carbon dioxide from at least a portion of theblood.

12. The system of Example 1, further comprising a reintroduction moduleconfigured to add electrolyte-balanced fluid to at least a portion ofthe blood at a rate above 7 liters per hour.

13. The system of Example 1, further comprising a reintroduction modulecoupled to the fluid flow path and configured to add a substance to atleast a portion of the blood, the substance facilitating the productionof reactive oxygen species within the blood.

14. The system of Example 1, wherein:

the one or more dialysis modules are configured to perform convectiondialysis at a collective rate of between 0.75 and 1.5 liters per minute;

the one or more pumps configured to pump the blood in the fluid flowpath at a collective rate of between 4 and 7 liters per minute.

15. The system of Example 14, further comprising:

one or more heat exchangers configured to heat the blood to atemperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius; and

one or more venting modules coupled to the fluid flow path, the one ormore venting modules configured to remove carbon dioxide from at least aportion of the blood.

16. The system of Example 15, further comprising a reintroduction moduleconfigured to add a substance to at least a portion of the blood, thesubstance facilitating the production of reactive oxygen species withinthe blood.

17. A method comprising:

pumping blood in a fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters perminute; and

performing dialysis on at least a portion of the blood at a rate of atleast 0.5 liters per minute.

18. The method of Example 17, wherein performing dialysis comprisesperforming convection dialysis.

19. The method of Example 17, wherein performing dialysis comprisesperforming diffusion dialysis.

20. The method of Example 17, wherein the blood is pumped at a rate ofat least 5 liters per minute.

21. The method of Example 17, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 4 and 7 liters per minute.

22. The method of Example 17, wherein the dialysis is performed on atleast the portion of the blood at a rate of at least 0.6 liters perminute.

23. The method of Example 17, wherein the dialysis is performed on atleast the portion of the blood at a rate of at least 1 liter per minute.

24. The method of Example 17, wherein the dialysis is performed on atleast the portion of the blood at a rate of at least 1.5 liters perminute.

25. The method of Example 17, wherein the dialysis is performed on atleast the portion of the blood at a rate of between 0.6 to 1.5 litersper minute.

26. The method of Example 17, further comprising heating the blood inthe fluid flow path to a temperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius.

27. The system of Example 26, further comprising removing carbon dioxidefrom at least a portion of the blood.

28. The method of Example 17, further comprising addingelectrolyte-balanced fluid to at least a portion of the blood at a rateabove 7 liters per hour.

29. The method of Example 17, further comprising adding a substance toat least a portion of the blood, the substance facilitating theproduction of reactive oxygen species within the blood.

30. The method of Example 17, wherein:

the dialysis is performed on at least the portion of the blood byperforming convection dialysis at a collective rate of between 0.75 and1.5 liters per minute;

the blood is pumped in the fluid flow path at a collective rate ofbetween 4 and 7 liters per minute.

31. The method of Example 30, further comprising: heating at least aportion of the blood to a temperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius;and

removing carbon dioxide from at least a portion of the blood.

32. The method of Example 31, further comprising adding a substance toat least a portion of the blood, the substance facilitating theproduction of reactive oxygen species within the blood.

33. The method of Example 17, wherein the blood is pumped in the fluidflow path at the rate of at least 4 liters per minute for at least 30minutes.

34. The method of Example 17, wherein the dialysis is performed on atleast a portion of the blood at the rate of at least 4 liters per minutefor between 30 minutes and 48 hours.

35. The method of Example 26, wherein the blood is heated to atemperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius for at least 30 minutes.

36. The method of Example 27, wherein carbon dioxide is removed from atleast a portion of the blood for at least 30 minutes.

37. The method of Example 28, wherein the electrolyte-balanced fluid isadded to at least a portion of the blood at a rate above 7 liters perhour for at least 30 minutes.

38. The method of Example 33, wherein the blood is pumped in the fluidflow path at the rate of at least 4 liters per minute substantiallycontinuously for at least 30 minutes.

39. The method of Example 34, wherein the dialysis is performed on atleast a portion of the blood at the rate of at least 4 liters per minutesubstantially continuously for between 30 minutes and 48 hours.

40. The method of Example 35, wherein at least a portion of the blood isheated to a temperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius substantiallycontinuously for at least 30 minutes.

41. The method of Example 36, wherein carbon dioxide is removed from atleast a portion of the blood substantially continuously for at least 30minutes.

42. The method of Example 37, wherein the electrolyte-balanced fluid isadded to at least a portion of the blood at a rate above 7 liters perhour substantially continuously for at least 30 minutes.

43. A method for treating cancer comprising:

pumping blood from a human body into a fluid flow path at a collectiverate of at least 4 liters per minute;

performing dialysis on at least a portion of the blood at a collectiverate of at least 0.5 liters per minute; and

returning the blood in the fluid flow path to the human body afterperforming dialysis on at least a portion of the blood.

44. The method of Example 43, wherein performing dialysis comprisesperforming convection dialysis.

45. The method of Example 43, further comprising heating the human bodyto a temperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius.

46. The method of Example 45, further comprising removing carbon dioxidefrom at least a portion of the blood.

47. The method of Example 43, further comprising addingelectrolyte-balanced fluid to the human body at a rate above 7 litersper hour.

48. The method of Example 43, further comprising causing an increase inthe production of reactive oxygen species within the human body.

49. The method of Example 43, wherein:

the dialysis is performed on at least the portion of the blood byperforming convection dialysis at a collective rate of between 0.75 and1.5 liters per minute;

the blood is pumped in the fluid flow path at a collective rate ofbetween 4 and 7 liters per minute.

50. The method of Example 49, further comprising:

heating the human body to a temperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius;and removing carbon dioxide from at least a portion of the blood.

51. The method of Example 50, further comprising causing an increase inreactive oxygen species in the human body by adding a substance to atleast a portion of the blood outside the human body.

52. The method of Example 43, wherein the blood is pumped in the fluidflow path at the rate of at least 4 liters per minute for at least 30minutes.

53. The method of Example 43, wherein the dialysis is performed on atleast a portion of the blood at the rate of at least 0.75 liters perminute for between 30 minutes and 48 hours.

54. The method of Example 45, wherein the human body is heated to atemperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius for at least 30 minutes.

55. The method of Example 46, wherein carbon dioxide is removed from atleast a portion of the blood for at least 30 minutes.

56. The method of Example 47, wherein the electrolyte-balanced fluid isadded to the human body at a rate above 7 liters per hour for at least30 minutes.

57. The method of Example 52, wherein the blood is pumped in the fluidflow path at the rate of at least 4 liters per minute substantiallycontinuously for at least 30 minutes.

58. The method of Example 53, wherein the dialysis is performed on atleast a portion of the blood at the rate of at least 0.75 liters perminute substantially continuously for between 30 minutes and 48 hours.

59. The method of Example 54, wherein the human body is heated to atemperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius substantially continuouslyfor at least 30 minutes.

60. The method of Example 55, wherein carbon dioxide is removed from atleast a portion of the blood substantially continuously for at least 30minutes.

61. The method of Example 56, wherein the electrolyte-balanced fluid isadded to the human body at a rate above 7 liters per hour substantiallycontinuously for at least 30 minutes.

62. The methods of Examples 46 and 50, further comprising adding achemotherapeutic agent to the human body.

63. The method of Example 51, wherein the substance comprises at leastone of: iron, copper, Freon, and ozone.

64. The method of Example 43, further comprising:

heating the human body to a temperature of at least 42 degrees Celsiusfor at least 30 minutes;

adding electrolyte-balanced fluid at a rate above 7 liters per hour forat least 30 minutes;

causing the production of reactive oxygen species within the human bodyby adding a substance to at least a portion of the blood outside of thehuman body, the substance comprising at least one of: iron, copper,Freon, and ozone; and

wherein the dialysis is performed on at least a portion of the blood atthe rate of at least 0.75 liters per minute by performing convectiondialysis for between 30 minutes and 48 hours.

65. The method of Example 43, further comprising:

heating the human body to a temperature of at least 42 degrees Celsiusfor at least 30 minutes;

adding electrolyte-balanced fluid at a rate above 7 liters per hour forat least 30 minutes;

adding a chemotherapeutic agent to the human body; and

wherein the dialysis is performed on at least a portion of the blood atthe rate of at least 0.75 liters per minute by performing convectiondialysis for between 30 minutes and 48 hours.

66. A system comprising:

one or more pumps configured to pump blood in a fluid flow path at acollective rate of at least 4 liters per minute; and

one or more heat exchangers coupled to the fluid flow path andconfigured to heat the blood to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius.

67. The system of Example 66, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat the blood to a temperature between 42 and 45degrees Celsius.

68. The system of Example 66, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat the blood to a temperature of at least 42.5degrees Celsius.

69. The system of Example 66, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate of at least 5 litersper minute.

70. The system of Example 66, wherein the one or more pumps areconfigured to pump the blood at a collective rate between 4 and 7 litersper minute.

71. The system of Example 66, further comprising a reintroduction modulecoupled to the fluid flow path and configured to add a substance to atleast a portion of the blood, the substance facilitating the productionof reactive oxygen species within the blood.

72. The system of Example 71, wherein the substance comprises at leastone of: iron, copper, and ozone.

73. The system of Example 66, further comprising a reintroduction modulecoupled to the fluid flow path and configured to add a chemotherapeuticsubstance to at least a portion of the blood.

74. The system of Example 66, further comprising one or more ventingmodules coupled to the fluid flow path and configured to:

remove carbon dioxide from at least a portion of the blood; and

add oxygen to at least a portion of the blood.

75. The system of Example 66, further comprising one or more convectiondialysis modules coupled to the fluid flow path and configured toperform dialysis on at least a portion of the blood at a collective rateof at least 0.5 liters per minute.

76. The system of Example 75, further comprising a reintroduction modulecoupled to the fluid flow path and configured to addelectrolyte-balanced fluid to at least a portion of the blood at a rateabove 7 liters per hour.

77. A method comprising:

pumping blood in a fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters perminute; and

heating at least a portion of the blood to a temperature of at least 42degrees Celsius.

78. The method of Example 77, wherein at least a portion of the blood isheated to a temperature between 42 and 45 degrees Celsius.

79. The method of Example 77, wherein at least a portion of the blood isheated to a temperature of at least 42.5 degrees Celsius.

80. The method of Example 77, wherein the blood is pumped at a rate ofat least 5 liters per minute.

81. The method of Example 77, wherein the blood is pumped at a ratebetween 4 and 7 liters per minute.

82. The method of Example 77, further comprising adding a substance toat least a portion of the blood in the fluid flow path, the substancefacilitating the production of reactive oxygen species within the blood.

83. The method of Example 82, wherein the substance comprises at leastone of: iron, copper, and ozone.

84. The method of Example 77, further comprising adding achemotherapeutic substance to at least a portion of the blood.

85. The method of Example 77, further comprising removing carbon dioxidefrom at least a portion of the blood.

86. The method of Example 77, further comprising performing dialysis onat least a portion of the blood at a rate of at least 0.5 liters perminute.

87. The method of Example 86, further comprising addingelectrolyte-balanced fluid to at least a portion of the blood at a rateabove 7 liters per hour.

88. The method of Example 77, wherein the blood is pumped in the fluidflow path at the rate of at least 4 liters per minute for at least 30minutes.

89. The method of Example 86, wherein the dialysis is performed on atleast a portion of the blood at the rate of at least 4 liters per minutefor between 30 minutes and 48 hours.

90. The method of Example 77, wherein the blood is heated to atemperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius for at least 30 minutes.

91. The method of Example 85, wherein carbon dioxide is removed from atleast a portion of the blood for at least 30 minutes.

92. The method of Example 87, wherein the electrolyte-balanced fluid isadded to at least a portion of the blood at a rate above 7 liters perhour for at least 30 minutes.

93. The method of Example 88, wherein the blood is pumped in the fluidflow path at the rate of at least 4 liters per minute substantiallycontinuously for at least 30 minutes.

94. The method of Example 89, wherein dialysis is performed on at leasta portion of the blood at the rate of at least 4 liters per minutesubstantially continuously for between 30 minutes and 48 hours.

95. The method of Example 90, wherein the blood is heated to atemperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius substantially continuouslyfor at least 30 minutes.

96. The method of Example 91, wherein carbon dioxide is removed from atleast a portion of the blood substantially continuously for at least 30minutes.

97. The method of Example 92, wherein the electrolyte-balanced fluid isadded to at least a portion of the blood in the fluid flow path at arate above 7 liters per hour substantially continuously for at least 30minutes.

98. A method for treating cancer comprising:

removing blood from a human body into a fluid flow path at a rate of atleast 4 liters per minute;

heating the blood outside of the human body; returning the blood to thehuman body after heating the blood outside of the human body; and

wherein the human body is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 30 minutes.

99. The method of Example 98, further comprising causing the productionof reactive oxygen species within the human body by adding a substanceto at least a portion of the blood outside the human body.

100. The method of Example 99, wherein the substance comprises at leastone of: iron, copper, Freon, and ozone.

101. The method of Example 98, further comprising adding achemotherapeutic substance to the human body.

102. The method of Example 98, further comprising removing carbondioxide from at least a portion of the blood outside of the human body.

103. The method of Example 98, further comprising performing dialysis onat least a portion of the blood at a rate of at least 0.5 liters perminute.

104. The method of Example 103, further comprising addingelectrolyte-balanced fluid to the human body at a rate above 7 litersper hour.

105. The method of Example 98, further comprising pumping the blood inthe fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters per minute for atleast 30 minutes.

106. The method of Example 103, wherein the dialysis is performed on atleast a portion of the blood at the rate of at least 4 liters per minutefor between 30 minutes and 48 hours.

107. The method of Example 102, wherein carbon dioxide is removed fromat least a portion of the blood for at least 30 minutes.

108. The method of Example 104, wherein the electrolyte-balanced fluidis added to the human body at a rate above 7 liters per hour for atleast 30 minutes.

109. The method of Example 105, wherein the blood is pumped in the fluidflow path at the rate of at least 4 liters per minute substantiallycontinuously for at least 30 minutes.

110. The method of Example 106, wherein the dialysis is performed on atleast a portion of the blood at the rate of at least 4 liters per minutesubstantially continuously for between 30 minutes and 48 hours.

111. The method of Example 98, wherein the human body is heated to thetemperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius substantially continuouslyfor at least 30 minutes.

112. The method of Example 107, wherein carbon dioxide is removed fromat least a portion of the blood substantially continuously for at least30 minutes.

113. The method of Example 108, wherein the electrolyte-balanced fluidis added to the human body at a rate above 7 liters per hoursubstantially continuously for at least 30 minutes.

114. The method of Example 98, further comprising:

adding electrolyte-balanced fluid at a rate above 7 liters per hour forat least 30 minutes;

causing the production of reactive oxygen species within the human bodyby adding a substance to at least a portion of the blood outside of thehuman body, the substance comprising at least one of: iron, copper,Freon, and ozone; and

wherein the blood is heated outside of the body to a temperature of atleast 42 degrees Celsius.

115. The method of Example 98, further comprising:

adding electrolyte-balanced fluid at a rate above 7 liters per hour forat least 30 minutes;

adding a chemotherapeutic agent to the human body; and

wherein the blood is heated outside of the body to a temperature of atleast 42 degrees Celsius.

116. A system comprising:

one or more heat exchangers configured to heat blood in a fluid flowpath to a temperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius; and

one or more venting modules coupled to the fluid flow path, the one ormore venting modules configured to remove carbon dioxide from at least aportion of the blood.

117. The system of Example 116, wherein the one or more venting modulesare configured to add oxygen to at least a portion of the blood.

118. The system of Example 116, further comprising an oxygenator coupledto the fluid flow path and configured to add oxygen to at least aportion of the blood.

119. The system of Example 116, wherein the one or more venting modulesare configured to cause at least a portion of the blood to flow throughat least one membrane.

120. The system of Example 119, wherein the at least one membranecollectively has an effective surface area greater than 1.8 squaremeters.

121. The system of Example 116, further comprising a reintroductionmodule coupled to the fluid flow path and configured to add a substanceto at least a portion of the blood, the substance facilitating theproduction of reactive oxygen species within the blood.

122. The system of Example 116, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat the blood to a temperature between 42 and 45degrees Celsius.

123. The system of Example 116, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat the blood to a temperature of at least 42.5degrees Celsius.

124. The system of Example 116, wherein the one or more heat exchangersare configured to heat the blood to a temperature of at least 43 degreesCelsius.

125. The system of Example 116, further comprising one or more dialysismodules coupled to the fluid flow path and configured to performdialysis on at least a portion of the blood at a collective rate of atleast 0.5 liters per minute.

126. The system of Example 116, further comprising one or more pumpsconfigured to pump the blood in the fluid flow path at a collective rateof at least 4 liters per minute.

127. The system of Example 116, further comprising a heated enclosureenclosing the one or more heat exchangers and the one or more ventingmodules, the area inside the heated enclosure being at a temperature ofat least 43 degrees Celsius.

128. A method comprising:

heating blood in a fluid flow path to a temperature of at least 42degrees Celsius; and removing carbon dioxide from at least a portion ofthe blood.

129. The method of Example 128, further comprising adding oxygen to atleast a portion of the blood.

130. The method of Example 128, wherein carbon dioxide is removed fromthe blood by causing at least a portion of the blood to flow through atleast one membrane.

131. The method of Example 130, wherein the at least one membranecollectively has an effective surface area greater than 1.8 squaremeters.

132. The method of Example 128, further comprising adding a substance toat least a portion of the blood, the substance facilitating theproduction of reactive oxygen species within the blood.

133. The method of Example 128, wherein the blood is heated to atemperature between 42 and 45 degrees Celsius.

134. The method of Example 128, wherein the blood is heated to atemperature of at least 42.5 degrees Celsius.

135. The method of Example 128, wherein the blood is heated to atemperature of at least 43 degrees Celsius.

136. The method of Example 128, further comprising performing dialysison at least a portion of the blood at a rate of at least 0.5 liters perminute.

137. The method of Example 128, further comprising pumping the blood inthe fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 liters per minute.

138. The method of Example 137, wherein the blood is pumped in the fluidflow path at the rate of at least 4 liters per minute for at least 30minutes.

139. The method of Example 136, wherein the dialysis is performed on atleast a portion of the blood at the rate of at least 0.5 liters perminute for between 30 minutes and 48 hours.

140. The method of Example 128, wherein the blood in the fluid flow pathis heated to a temperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius for at least30 minutes.

141. The method of Example 128, wherein carbon dioxide is removed fromat least a portion of the blood for at least 30 minutes.

142. The method of Example 138, wherein the blood is pumped in the fluidflow path at the rate of at least 4 liters per minute substantiallycontinuously for at least 30 minutes.

143. The method of Example 139, wherein the dialysis is performed on atleast a portion of the blood at the rate of at least 0.5 liters perminute substantially continuously for between 30 minutes and 48 hours.

144. The method of Example 140, wherein the blood in the fluid flow pathis heated to a temperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius substantiallycontinuously for at least 30 minutes.

145. The method of Example 141, wherein carbon dioxide is removed fromat least a portion of the blood substantially continuously for at least30 minutes.

146. A method for treating cancer, comprising:

heating a human body to a temperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius,wherein blood of the human body is flowing outside of the human body ina fluid flow path; and

removing carbon dioxide from at least a portion of the blood.

147. The method of Example 146, further comprising adding oxygen to atleast a portion of the blood.

148. The method of Example 146, wherein carbon dioxide is removed fromat least a portion of the blood by causing at least a portion of theblood to flow through at least one membrane.

149. The method of Example 148, wherein the at least one membranecollectively has an effective surface area greater than 1.8 squaremeters.

150. The method of Example 146, further comprising causing theproduction of reactive oxygen species within the human body by adding asubstance to at least a portion of the blood outside of the human body.

151. The method of Example 146, further comprising performing dialysison at least a portion of the blood at a rate of at least 0.5 liters perminute.

152. The method of Example 146, further comprising pumping blood fromthe human body into the fluid flow path at a rate of at least 4 litersper minute.

153. The method of Example 152, wherein the blood is pumped in the fluidflow path at the rate of at least 4 liters per minute for at least 30minutes.

154. The method of Example 151, wherein the dialysis is performed on atleast a portion of the blood at the rate of at least 0.5 liters perminute for between 30 minutes and 48 hours.

155. The method of Example 146, wherein the human body is heated to atemperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius for at least 30 minutes.

156. The method of Example 146, wherein carbon dioxide is removed fromat least a portion of the blood for at least 30 minutes.

157. The method of Example 153, wherein the blood is pumped in the fluidflow path at the rate of at least 4 liters per minute substantiallycontinuously for at least 30 minutes.

158. The method of Example 154, wherein the dialysis is performed on atleast a portion of the blood at the rate of at least 0.5 liters perminute substantially continuously for between 30 minutes and 48 hours.

159. The method of Example 155, wherein the human body is heated to atemperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius substantially continuouslyfor at least 30 minutes.

160. The method of Example 156, wherein carbon dioxide is removed fromat least a portion of the blood substantially continuously for at least30 minutes.

161. The method of Example 152, further comprising adding achemotherapeutic agent to the human body.

162. The method of Example 150, wherein the substance comprises at leastone of: iron, copper, Freon, and ozone.

163. The method of Example 146, further comprising:

adding a chemotherapeutic agent to the human body;

pumping blood from the human body into the fluid flow path at a rate ofat least 4 liters per minute for at least 30 minutes; and

wherein the human body is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 30 minutes.

164. The method of Example 146, further comprising:

causing the production of reactive oxygen species within the human bodyby adding a substance to at least a portion of the blood outside of thehuman body, the substance comprising at least one of: iron, copper,Freon, and ozone;

pumping blood from the human body into the fluid flow path at a rate ofat least 4 liters per minute for at least 30 minutes; and

wherein the human body is heated to a temperature of at least 42 degreesCelsius for at least 30 minutes.

This disclosure discusses various flow rates regarding the componentsand steps of FIGS. 1-14. In various embodiments, any of the discussedflow rates can refer to sustained flow rates rather than mere shortspikes in a flow rate (e.g., the flow is at a particular rate for lessthan a second or a few seconds).

In various embodiments, any of the discussed flow rates can refer tocollective flow rates. The steps and components discussed above withrespect to FIGS. 1-14 discuss, in certain examples, the use of more thanone component or module to accomplish a function.

For example, pump 104 can be implemented using multiple pumps inparallel or in series. As another example, toxin removal system 106 canbe implemented using multiple modules in series or in parallel.Collective flow rates of such systems can refer to the flow rate throughthe path that results from such multiple components or modules workingtogether. For example, two pumps 104 operating at 2.5 liters per minutecan have a collective flow rate of 5 liters per minute.”

The disclosure above discusses embodiments of performing actions fordurations of time (e.g., the durations discussed above with respect tothe actions performed by components of system 100 of FIG. 1). A timeduration may occur continuously or substantially continuously (e.g.,with temporary pauses that last a few seconds or a few minutes). Thetime durations disclosed herein do not need to be performed continuouslyin various embodiments. The time durations disclosed herein may occurcontinuously or in multiple periods of time that add up to the statedduration; any suitable time period can be used and different timeperiods can be combined such that they sum to the stated duration. Forexample, a disclosure that a component performs an action on blood in apath for an hour can refer to performing the action for an hourcontinuously, in four 15-minute periods, or in a combination of a10-minute, 20-minute, and 30-minute periods. In some embodiments, whenthe time duration is not performed continuously but in multiple periods,all of the time periods may occur within, e.g., a 24 to 72 hourtimeframe. Other suitable timeframes may be used, such as 4-, 5-, 6-,7-, 8-, and 9-day timeframes. Multiple time periods may follow oneanother consecutively or substantially consecutively (e.g., withinseconds or minutes) in various embodiments. In some embodiments,multiple time periods may not proceed consecutively.

The disclosure above discusses embodiments of performing actions on “atleast a portion” of blood (e.g., flowing in a path outside of the humanbody). In some embodiments, such a portion can refer to all orsubstantially all (e.g., 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, or 99%) of the blood.

The following is another numbered list of examples identifyingparticular combinations of the techniques disclosed above, includingregarding FIGS. 15-17. The present disclosure is not limited to thefollowing combinations as the following combinations are only examples.The techniques and options discussed above can be combined in anysuitable manner.

1. A system comprising:

at least one toxin removal system configured to process blood receivedfrom at least two different locations on a patient's body; and

wherein the at least one toxin removal system is configured to processblood from the patient at a collective rate of at least 0.5 liters perminute.

2. The system of Example 1, wherein a first toxin removal system of theat least one toxin removal system is configured to perform convectiondialysis.

3. The system of Example 1, wherein a first toxin removal system of theat least one toxin removal system is configured to perform hemodialysis.

4. The system of Example 1, wherein a first toxin removal system of theat least one toxin removal system is configured to perform diffusiondialysis.

5. The system of Example 1, wherein the at least one toxin removalsystem is configured to introduce fluid at a collective rate of at least9 liters per hour into the patient's blood, the fluid configured toraise the pH level of the patient's blood.

6. The system of Example 1, wherein the at least one toxin removalsystem is configured to introduce fluid at a collective rate of at least9 liters per hour into the patient's blood, the fluid configured tolower the pH level of the patient's blood.

7. The system of Example 1, wherein the at least one toxin removalsystem is configured to remove contaminants at least 3500 Daltons insize.

8. The system of Example 1, wherein the at least one toxin removalsystem is coupled to at least one port, the at least one port coupled toa femoral vein of the patient.

9. The system of Example 1, wherein the at least one toxin removalsystem is coupled to at least one port, the at least one port coupled toa jugular vein of the patient.

10. The system of Example 1, wherein the at least one toxin removalsystem is coupled to at least one port, the at least one port coupled toa clavicle vein of the patient.

11. The system of Example 1, wherein the at least one toxin removalsystem comprises a membrane having a surface area of at least 1.8 squaremeters.

12. The system of Example 1, wherein the at least one toxin removalsystem comprises a membrane having a surface area greater than 2.2square meters.

13. The system of Example 1, wherein:

the at least one toxin removal system comprises a first toxin removalsystem configured to perform convection dialysis on blood received froma first location on the patient's body and a second toxin removal systemconfigured to perform convection dialysis on blood received from asecond location on the patient's body; and

the first and second toxin removal systems are configured to introducesubstances into the blood at a collective rate of at least 9 liters perhour.

14. The system of Example 13, wherein:

the first location is at least one of the group consisting of: the leftfemoral vein, the left clavicle vein, and the left jugular vein; and

the second location is at least one of the group consisting of: theright femoral vein, the right clavicle vein, and the right jugular vein.

15. The system of Example 13, wherein:

the first and second toxin removal systems are configured to process theblood at a collective rate of at least 0.9 liters per minute; and

the first and second toxin removal systems are configured to introducesubstances into the blood at a collective rate of at least 15 liters perhour.

16. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-15, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to process blood from the patientat a collective rate of at least 0.55 liters per minute.

17. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-15, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to process blood from the patientat a collective rate of at least 0.6 liters per minute.

18. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-15, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to process blood from the patientat a collective rate of at least 0.65 liters per minute.

19. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-15, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to process blood from the patientat a collective rate of at least 0.7 liters per minute.

20. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-15, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to process blood from the patientat a collective rate of at least 0.75 liters per minute.

21. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-15, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to process blood from the patientat a collective rate of at least 0.8 liters per minute.

22. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-15, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to process blood from the patientat a collective rate of at least 0.85 liters per minute.

23. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-15, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to process blood from the patientat a collective rate of at least 0.9 liters per minute.

24. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-15, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to process blood from the patientat a collective rate of at least 0.95 liters per minute.

25. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-15, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to process blood from the patientat a collective rate of at least 1 liter per minute.

26. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-15, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to process blood from the patientat a collective rate of at least 1.15 liters per minute.

27. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-15, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to process blood from the patientat a collective rate of at least 1.2 liters per minute.

28. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-15, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to process blood from the patientat a collective rate of at least 1.25 liters per minute.

29. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-15, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to process blood from the patientat a collective rate of at least 1.3 liters per minute.

30. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-15, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to process blood from the patientat a collective rate of at least 1.35 liters per minute.

31. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 9.5 liters per hour.

32. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 10 liters per hour.

33. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 10.5 liters per hour.

33. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 11 liters per hour.

34. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 11.5 liters per hour.

35. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 12 liters per hour.

36. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 12.5 liters per hour.

37. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 13 liters per hour.

38. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 13.5 liters per hour.

39. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 14 liters per hour.

40. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 14.5 liters per hour.

41. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 15 liters per hour.

42. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 15.5 liters per hour.

43. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 16 liters per hour.

44. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 16.5 liters per hour.

45. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 17 liters per hour.

46. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 17.5 liters per hour.

47. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 18 liters per hour.

48. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 18.5 liters per hour.

49. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 19 liters per hour.

50. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 19.5 liters per hour.

51. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 20 liters per hour.

52. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 20.5 liters per hour.

53. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 21 liters per hour.

54. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 21.5 liters per hour.

55. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 22 liters per hour.

56. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 22.5 liters per hour.

57. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 23 liters per hour.

58. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 23.5 liters per hour.

59. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 24 liters per hour.

60. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 24.5 liters per hour.

61. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 25 liters per hour.

62. One or more of the systems of Examples 1-30, wherein the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to introduce substances into theblood at a collective rate of at least 10.5 liters per hour.

63. A method comprising:

receiving, at least one toxin removal system, blood from at least twodifferent locations on a patient's body; and

processing, by the at least one toxin removal system, the blood at acollective rate of at least 0.5 liters per minute.

64. The method of Example 63, wherein processing the blood comprisesprocessing the blood by a first toxin removal system of the at least onetoxin removal system using convection dialysis.

65. The method of Example 63, wherein processing the blood comprisesprocessing the blood by a first toxin removal system of the at least onetoxin removal system using hemodialysis.

66. The method of Example 63, wherein processing the blood comprisesprocessing the blood by a first toxin removal system of the at least onetoxin removal system using diffusion dialysis.

67. The method of Example 63, wherein processing the blood comprisesintroducing fluid at a collective rate of at least 9 liters per hourinto the blood, the fluid configured to raise the pH level of thepatient's blood.

68. The method of Example 63, wherein processing the blood comprisesintroducing fluid at a collective rate of at least 9 liters per hourinto the blood, the fluid configured to lower the pH level of thepatient's blood.

69. The method of Example 63, wherein processing the blood comprisesremoving contaminants at least 3500 Daltons in size.

70. The method of Example 63, wherein receiving the blood comprisesreceiving the blood from at least one port coupled to a femoral vein ofthe patient.

71. The method of Example 63, wherein receiving the blood comprisesreceiving the blood from at least one port coupled to a jugular vein ofthe patient.

72. The method of Example 63, wherein receiving the blood comprisesreceiving the blood from at least one port coupled to a clavicle vein ofthe patient.

73. The method of Example 63, wherein processing the blood comprisesprocessing the blood using a membrane having a surface area of at least1.8 square meters.

74. The method of Example 63, wherein processing the blood comprisesprocessing the blood using a membrane having a surface area greater than2.2 square meters.

75. The method of Example 63, wherein processing the blood comprises:

using a first toxin removal system configured to perform convectiondialysis on blood received from a first location on the patient's body;

using a second toxin removal system configured to perform convectiondialysis on blood received from a second location on the patient's body;and

introducing substances into the blood at a collective rate of at least 9liters per hour.

76. The method of Example 75, wherein:

the first location is at least one of the group consisting of: the leftfemoral vein, the left clavicle vein, and the left jugular vein; and

the second location is at least one of the group consisting of: theright femoral vein, the right clavicle vein, and the right jugular vein.

77. The method of Example 75, wherein:

performing convection dialysis on the blood by the first and secondtoxin removal systems comprises performing convection dialysis at acollective rate of at least 0.9 liters per minute; and

introducing substances into the blood at a collective rate of at least 9liters per hour comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 15 liters per hour.

78. One or more of the methods of Examples 63-77, wherein processing theblood comprises performing convection dialysis at a collective rate ofat least 0.55 liters per minute.

79. One or more of the methods of Examples 63-77, wherein processing theblood comprises performing convection dialysis at a collective rate ofat least 0.6 liters per minute.

80. One or more of the methods of Examples 63-77, wherein processing theblood comprises performing convection dialysis at a collective rate ofat least 0.65 liters per minute.

81. One or more of the methods of Examples 63-77, wherein processing theblood comprises performing convection dialysis at a collective rate ofat least 0.7 liters per minute.

82. One or more of the methods of Examples 63-77, wherein processing theblood comprises performing convection dialysis at a collective rate ofat least 0.75 liters per minute.

83. One or more of the methods of Examples 63-77, wherein processing theblood comprises performing convection dialysis at a collective rate ofat least 0.8 liters per minute.

84. One or more of the methods of Examples 63-77, wherein processing theblood comprises performing convection dialysis at a collective rate ofat least 0.85 liters per minute.

85. One or more of the methods of Examples 63-77, wherein processing theblood comprises performing convection dialysis at a collective rate ofat least 0.9 liters per minute.

86. One or more of the methods of Examples 63-77, wherein processing theblood comprises performing convection dialysis at a collective rate ofat least 0.95 liters per minute.

87. One or more of the methods of Examples 63-77, wherein processing theblood comprises performing convection dialysis at a collective rate ofat least 1 liter per minute.

88. One or more of the methods of Examples 63-77, wherein processing theblood comprises performing convection dialysis at a collective rate ofat least 1.15 liters per minute.

89. One or more of the methods of Examples 63-77, wherein processing theblood comprises performing convection dialysis at a collective rate ofat least 1.2 liters per minute.

90. One or more of the methods of Examples 63-77, wherein processing theblood comprises performing convection dialysis at a collective rate ofat least 1.25 liters per minute.

91. One or more of the methods of Examples 63-77, wherein processing theblood comprises performing convection dialysis at a collective rate ofat least 1.3 liters per minute.

92. One or more of the methods of Examples 63-77, wherein processing theblood comprises performing convection dialysis at a collective rate ofat least 1.35 liters per minute.

93. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processing theblood comprises introducing substances into the blood at a collectiverate of at least 9.5 liters per hour.

94. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processing theblood comprises introducing substances into the blood at a collectiverate of at least 10 liters per hour.

95. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processing theblood comprises introducing substances into the blood at a collectiverate of at least 10.5 liters per hour.

96. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processing theblood comprises introducing substances into the blood at a collectiverate of at least 11 liters per hour.

97. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processing theblood comprises introducing substances into the blood at a collectiverate of at least 11.5 liters per hour.

98. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processing theblood comprises introducing substances into the blood at a collectiverate of at least 12 liters per hour.

99. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processing theblood comprises introducing substances into the blood at a collectiverate of at least 12.5 liters per hour.

100. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 13 liters per hour.

101. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 13.5 liters per hour.

102. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 14 liters per hour.

103. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 14.5 liters per hour.

104. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 15 liters per hour.

105. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 15.5 liters per hour.

106. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 16 liters per hour.

107. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 16.5 liters per hour.

108. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 17 liters per hour.

109. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 17.5 liters per hour.

110. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 18 liters per hour.

111. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 18.5 liters per hour.

112. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 19 liters per hour.

113. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 19.5 liters per hour.

114. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 20 liters per hour.

115. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 20.5 liters per hour.

116. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 21 liters per hour.

117. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 21.5 liters per hour.

118. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 22 liters per hour.

119. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 22.5 liters per hour.

120. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 23 liters per hour.

121. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 23.5 liters per hour.

122. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 24 liters per hour.

123. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 24.5 liters per hour.

124. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 25 liters per hour.

125. One or more of the systems of Examples 63-92, wherein processingthe blood comprises introducing substances into the blood at acollective rate of at least 10.5 liters per hour.

Although the present invention has been described with severalembodiments, a myriad of changes, variations, alterations,transformations, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled inthe art, and it is intended that the present invention encompass suchchanges, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications asfall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: at least one toxin removalsystem configured to process blood received from at least two differentlocations on a patient's body; and wherein the at least one toxinremoval system is configured to process blood from the patient at acollective rate of at least 0.5 liters per minute.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein a first toxin removal system of the at least one toxinremoval system is configured to perform convection dialysis.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein a first toxin removal system of the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to perform hemodialysis.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein a first toxin removal system of the at leastone toxin removal system is configured to perform diffusion dialysis. 5.The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one toxin removal system isconfigured to introduce fluid at a collective rate of at least 9 litersper hour into the patient's blood, the fluid configured to raise the pHlevel of the patient's blood.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the atleast one toxin removal system is configured to introduce fluid at acollective rate of at least 9 liters per hour into the patient's blood,the fluid configured to lower the pH level of the patient's blood. 7.The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one toxin removal system isconfigured to remove contaminants at least 3500 Daltons in size.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the at least one toxin removal system iscoupled to at least one port, the at least one port coupled to a femoralvein of the patient.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least onetoxin removal system is coupled to at least one port, the at least oneport coupled to a jugular vein of the patient.
 10. The system of claim1, wherein the at least one toxin removal system is coupled to at leastone port, the at least one port coupled to a clavicle vein of thepatient.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one toxinremoval system comprises a membrane having a surface area of at least1.8 square meters.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least onetoxin removal system comprises a membrane having a surface area greaterthan 2.2 square meters.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein: the at leastone toxin removal system comprises a first toxin removal systemconfigured to perform convection dialysis on blood received from a firstlocation on the patient's body and a second toxin removal systemconfigured to perform convection dialysis on blood received from asecond location on the patient's body; and the first and second toxinremoval systems are configured to introduce substances into the blood ata collective rate of at least 9 liters per hour.
 14. The system of claim13, wherein: the first location is at least one of the group consistingof: the left femoral vein, the left clavicle vein, and the left jugularvein; and the second location is at least one of the group consistingof: the right femoral vein, the right clavicle vein, and the rightjugular vein.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein: the first and secondtoxin removal systems are configured to process the blood at acollective rate of at least 0.9 liters per minute; and the first andsecond toxin removal systems are configured to introduce substances intothe blood at a collective rate of at least 15 liters per hour.